BAGUIO CITY -- “Be vanguards of hopes; be catalysts of change.”
This was the message of President Rodrigo Duterte to the graduates of “Salaknib” Class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) during its graduation rites held here in Fort del Pilar on Sunday morning.
Duterte reminded the PMA cadets who have graduated this year not to be lured by “enemies” that would weaken their physical capabilities and moral reasoning.
He said they should always bear in mind that they are in the government to protect and serve the people and the country.
“Out there, the greatest challenge will not just require your intellectual or physical capabilities but your sound moral judgment as well,” the Chief Executive said in his keynote speech.
“It is not only your enemies, but the entire world, that will test, tempt, corrupt and pressure you. But as long as your hearts and minds remain in the right place whom you have pledged to serve, remember your roots and remember the people,” he added.
The President expressed hope that they would continue to uphold their integrity and defend the country with their “honor and might.”
He said the Salaknib Class may have been trained and molded to act how to be a real soldier but their “true self will make the officer, soldier and leader” in them.
“May the values and learning imparted to you during your years here in the academy be engraved in your hearts and may these guide you wherever life leads you,” Duterte said.
The President guaranteed the PMA graduates that the government will throw its full support behind them, as they confront challenges along their way as they face new endeavors.
“Rest assured that the government will reciprocate your valor and your unwavering courage by providing you with all the necessary support and incentives. The administration will give you and your families the services, benefits and entitlements that you rightfully deserve,” he added.
The graduating Salaknib Class is composed of 167 members, 104 of them are male cadets while 63 are female. Eight of the 10 top graduates are all women.
The President lauded the female cadets for occupying the top spots in their graduating class.
“With the highest number of graduating women in PMA’s history, this breakthrough is a fitting tribute to our mothers, sisters and daughters as we celebrate Women’s Month,” he said.
Cadet First Class Rovi Mairel Martinez, top PMA graduate, said the Salaknib Class is ready to serve the Filipino people “with honor and integrity.”
“We are ready to serve you,” she said in her valedictory address.
Martinez had been awarded the Presidential Saber and the Philippine Navy Saber during the graduation rites.
Before bidding farewell to her fellow PMA cadets, she urged them to always carry the “dedication and excellence” they learned in the academy.
“The accomplishment of one is the accomplishment of all. This is not a bad but a new beginning to look forward to. And as we go on separate ways, may we be with us the skills, values and the characters the academy had instilled in us,” she said.
“Do not forget the values and honors that you have to uphold. Keep on striving and beating yourself because the best that you can get is your hard work,” Martinez added. (SunStar Philippines)