La Trinidad to recognize PMA 2019 graduates

SIX graduates of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Mabalasik Class of 2019 from La Trinidad will be awarded during the 69th founding anniversary of the Benguet capital town.

With the increasing number of graduates of the premier academy from La Trinidad, Mayor Romeo Salda said the town seeks to give special awards to the graduates.

“They serve as inspiration to their brothers and sisters. They are also scholars, valedictorian during high school in La Trinidad,” Salda said.

On June 14, PMA graduates to be recognized during the Foundation Day include 2nd Lieutenant Jerson Pulac Balagot and 2nd Lt. Towner Martinez Caltino of barangay Shilan, 2nd Lt. Nero Ozkar Culaton of Camp Dangwa, 2nd Lt. Drexler Alfredo Mayomis of Balili, 2nd Lt. Nobleson Langato Libag of Bahong and 2nd Lt. Jahziel Gumapac Tandoc of Ampasit, Wangal.

Tandoc is part of the PMA top 10, placing third and received the Secretary of the National Defense Saber, Philippine Army Saber and plaques for Army Professional Courses.

Mabalasik stands for Mandirigma ng Bayan, Lakas at Sarili Iaalay para sa Kapayapaan.

The class of 2019 includes 261 graduates, 40 from the Cordillera region with four making it to the top 10.

Highlights of the Foundation Day include the butchering of 16 pigs by each barangays and the Golden Kayabang Awards bestowed to the town’s outstanding citizens screened by the steering committee.

Kayabang refers to a basket used for bringing home agricultural crops slung back where Indigenous Peoples in the Cordillera region.

The Golden Kayabang connotes the fruits of labor of this year’s awards who are based in the capital town.

Former National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) commissioner, author and educator Zenaida Hamada-Pawid was invited to be this year’s guest speaker.

This year’s annual foundation day with the theme “Recognizing our Roots, Building our Future.”