OFFICIALS in Negros Occidental lauded a Negrense cadet who topped the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2021.
Cadet First Class Janrey Cabanero Artus of San Enrique town in Negros Occidental is the valedictorian of the Mandirigmang Samahan ng Lakas na Sandigan ng Bayan (Masaligan) Class of 2021, the PMA announced on Monday, May 3.
Twenty-five-year-old Artus, who studied Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering as a scholar at the University of the Philippines-Visayas Miag-oa Campus in Iloilo Province, will graduate summa cum laude during the commencement exercises scheduled on May 10.
He is also the recipient of Presidential Saber, Philippine Navy Saber, Australian Defence Award, Spanish Armed Forces Award, General Antonio Luna Award, Academic Group Award, Jusmag Award, Humanities Plaque, Department of Leadership Plaque, Computing and Information Sciences Plaque, Management Plaque, Natural Sciences Plaque, Social Sciences Plaque, and Navy Professional Plaque.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in a statement, extended his congratulations to the Negrense top PMA cadet.
Lacson said this is a proud moment for the province as one of its sons, from San Enrique, emerged as top of his class.
“Graduating from the PMA is remarkable in itself, but you tested your limits and emerged top of your class. With this feat, you will be an exemplar and an inspiration to all the Negrenses, particularly to our youth,” he added.
The governor said it is also noteworthy that the name of Artus’ class, Masaligan, means trustworthy, reliable, and honorable in the local language.
Wishing Artus well, Lacson said, “with this, I hope that you will fully embrace such honor through your fervent commitment and allegiance to our people and constitution.”
“It is an honor for the province,” Lacson told SunStar Bacolod News, adding that “whatever field he chooses, I hope he will be a very good officer and may the good Lord be with him as he heeds the honorable call to serve God and country.”
The Sangguniang Bayan of San Enrique also took to social media to express how proud they are of Artus, their kasimanwa.
“[You are a] pride of San Enrique. Congratulations,” the municipal council posted on Facebook.
Masaligan Class is composed of 164 graduates.
Artus will be joining 45 other cadets in the Philippine Navy.
Eighty-two will be joining the Philippine Army, and 36 will join the Philippine Air Force.