Baguio City — Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Senior Undersecretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. was the Guest of Honor and Speaker of the awarding ceremony for outstanding cadets of the graduating Mandirigmang may Dangal, Simbolo ng Galing at Pagbangon (MADASIGON) Class of 2023, and Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) units at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) .
In his message, Galvez reiterated the values of service and excellence in the graduating class’ chosen profession.
“Be kind to your people and family, be humble, and always be respectful of your seniors. We have to obey the authority at all times,” Galvez said.
Lieutenant General Rowen S Tolentino, Superintendent, PMA, in his opening remarks, emphasized that the outstanding cadets are the pride of the academy, a product of outstanding mentors who exerted determination repeatedly.
“As sons and daughters of the academy, let your desire for excellence be an inspiration for others so that through you, that fire will spread like wildfire and keep on burning,” LtGen Tolentino added.
Sr. Usec. Galvez, together with AFP Chief of Staff General Andres C Centino, and PMA officers and faculty, handed out various awards to outstanding cadets, namely, Cadet (Cdt) First Class (1CL) Warren D Leonor – Academic Group Award, Tactics Group Award, General Antonio Luna Award, Social Sciences Plaque, National Security Studies Plaque, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Course Plaque, and Sports and Physical Development Plaque; Cdt 1CL Edmondo D Logronio – Army Professional Courses Plaque and Tactical Officers Plaque; Cdt 1CL Rico Jay B Fernandez – Leadership Plaque; Cdt 1CL Arla Krish K Bahingawan – Humanities Plaque; Cdt 1CL John Troy B Albano – Mathematics Plaque; Cdt 1CL Carlo Andrei D Valencia – Natural Sciences Plaque; Cdt 1CL Jasper B Balunso – Navy Professional Courses Plaque; Cdt 1CL John Cris A Galusmo – Journalism Award; Cdt 1CL Jeuel Ariel D Wangwang – Information Technology Plaque;
Cdt 1CL Arian Novie A Gomubda, Cdt 1Cl Kim Kendrick O Agatep, and Cdt 1CL Caleb C Riconalla – best in marksmanship training for the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Army, respectively.
The best performing units of the CCAFP were also given recognition. Charlie company was awarded the best performing company in this year’s CCAFP close order drill competition; the Military Tactics’ Cup and streamer were given to the Hawk company; the Commandant’s Cup and streamer were awarded to Alpha Company; and, the Dean’s Cup as well as the Superintendent’s Cup and streamers were given to Bravo Company.
Usec. Galvez, in his inspirational speech, thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the continued guidance, trust and confidence to the DND and the AFP.
The defense chief urged the graduating cadets to maintain the dignity of the corps by being good officers and gentle ladies and gentlemen at all times, as well as to not waver in the face of difficulties, challenging circumstances, and to uphold the values and dogma of the PMA – Courage, Integrity and Loyalty.
“To the cadet corps, continue striving for honor and excellence. Be patient. May the success of the MADASIGON class of 2023 serve as an inspiration to motivate you to become exceptional leaders who are imbued with the values of courage, integrity, and loyalty. Always choose the path of righteousness and serve for the common good. I repeat, put the common good before personal profit and ambition,” Galvez concluded.
