FORT DEL PILAR -- As the 261 Philippine Military Academy (PMA) 2019 graduates put a closure to their cadetship, some ended theirs by bringing home a house and lot, as well as a caliber .45 pistol handed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Valedictorian Dionne Mae Umalla was awarded a certificate of ownership of one unit house and lot for being number one cadet during the graduation ceremonies of the PMA Mabalasik Class of 2019.
Mabalasik stands for "Mandirigma ng Bayan Lakas at Sarili Iaalay para sa Kapayapaan"
This was not the first time a PMA graduate was given a house and lot.
Last year, Second Lieutenant Jaywardene Hontoria, the PMA 2018 Alab Tala class valedictorian, was also given a house and lot.
Duterte presented the Presidential Saber award to Umalla, who also received the Philippine Navy Saber award for being number one cadet joining the Philippine Navy.
Cadets in the President's List is determined by their overall performance in all academic and tactic courses during their stay in the academy.
The Mabalasik class goat, Second Lieutenant Danmark Solomon, from Pangasinan, also received a caliber .45 pistol handed by Duterte.
Second Lieutenant Jahziel Tandoc from La Trinidad, Benguet also received from Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto, Armed Forces of the Philippines commanding general, a 9mm gun engraved with PMA seal.
Duterte personally gave his wristwatch to incoming First Class Cadet Alberto Lester Julaquit from Cagayan Valley.
Duterte on Sunday, May 26, called on the graduating class of the "Mabalasik" Class to always remain faithful in their mission amid the evolving threats against national security.
In his speech, Duterte said the present security in the country is not anymore just about arms and equipment, but is time complex and irrational state, with non-state actors posing danger to the country.
"Serve your country well. Die for your country if need be. Remember the young Filipinos yet to come, the children and those who are now studying. Huwag mong kalimutan iyan, and if you think that the country is not run the way it is, and if it will destroy your country, you should know what to do," Duterte said.
The President arrived two hours late at the Borromeo Field and urged the 261 graduates to embody courage and loyalty, as they become part of the armed forces.
"May these values be your beacon until your last tap are sung and your perpetual memory would be to see your country truly free. As you leave the halls of this great and noble institution that is the Philippine Military Academy, may you, you rank idealistic graduates strengthen your dedication and lasting peace that will be enjoyed by the future generation of generations," said the Chief Executive.
Duterte also expressed confidence in working with the incoming military officers, as he pointed with confidence that he is behind them and they can both build the foundations of a better, safer, and more peaceful life for all Filipinos.
Two members of the graduating class were suspended and did not join the graduation ceremonies.
Major Reynan Afan, PMA Public Information Office chief, said two cadets out of the 263 original members of Mabalasik class did not graduate as a consequence of violating certain rules.
The PMA academic board issued the decision two days earlier.
"As always, our cadets are cadets until the very last day of graduation. Hangga't hindi sila nakakamayan ng Presidente, sila ay nasa ilalim ng mga batas ng Philippine Military Academy," Afan said.
Cadets must follow these rules, and non-adherence is a violation which would be tendered with appropriate action.
PMA "Mabalasik" Class 2019 is the first batch to graduate the month of May instead of March after the academic calendar shifted to follow the K to 12 system. (With a report from Jonathan Llanes)