12 PMA grads from Davao

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 19): 12 PMA grads from Davao

TWELVE out of the 282 first class cadets who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Fort Gregorio Del Pilar, Baguio City yesterday are from the Davao region.

Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido, PMA spokesperson, told TIMES yesterday that 207 males and 75 females composed Class 2018, known as the Alab-Tala (Alagag ng Lahing Binigkis ng Tapang at Lakas).

The 12 PMA graduates coming from Davao are Vince Magbanua of Tigatto, Buhangin (Philippine Army), Stephanie Shane Albina of Los Amigos, Tugbok (PA), James Cañizares of Sto. Niño, Mintal (Philippine Air Force), Geronvic Aguinaldo of Catalunan Pequeño, Talomo (PAF), Miguel Antonio Escobar of Talomo Proper, Talomo (PAF), Leanne Tiongson of Cabantian, Buhangin (Philippine Navy), Glamour Luceño of Estores Village of Panacan, Bunawan (PN) and Mark Leary Bitago of Cabantian, Buhangin (PN) (all from Davao City); Randy Orio Jr. of Mati City (PAF), Resty Paguyan from Cateel (PA) and Juriel Ian Jayson of Governor Generoso (PN), all from Davao Oriental; and Algier Aniñon of Panabo City, Davao del Norte (PA).

Top graduate Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria from Iloilo City was awarded with a house and lot from Camella.

“This is what you get for graduating on top of your class,” Balido said.

President Rodrigo Duterte attended the graduation ceremony as he encouraged the new officials to serve the country.

Duterte, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said: “My heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of PMA Alab-Tala Class of 2018. I join your families and your friends in celebrating this important milestone in your young careers.”

“Your courage and bravery have been tested numerous times but despite all of these trials, you have emerged victorious and ready to take on bigger challenges ahead,” Duterte said as he also noted that life in the academy is not that easy.

The Commander-in-Chief added, “you have been equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel but how far can you go will depend greatly on the discipline and determination and faith.”

He said they should remember always the three words that have been ingrained deeply in their hearts — courage, integrity, and loyalty — which will serve as their guide throughout their careers.

“As you dedicate your life to the service of God, country, and people, know that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has the government’s full support,” Duterte said.

Duterte said he wanted to leave behind a strong Armed Forces and Philippine National Police simply because the troubles now faced by the country will not disappear within the next four to seven to 10 years.

“As you leave the halls of PMA and enter your chosen branches of service, you will be faced with realities that are far more complex than what you have been prepared for. Mistakes will always be inevitable but have confidence in knowing that the rules of the academy have honed you for the responsibilities that await you as you assume leadership roles in the armed forces,” he added.

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