Duterte to lead PMA, PNPA grad ceremonies via teleconferencing

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the graduation ceremony of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) via teleconferencing app Zoom, Malacañang said Friday.

It will be the first time for the President to deliver his message to graduates of both institutions via teleconferencing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

“For now, ito yung pinakauna-unahang pagkakataon na naka Zoom or teleconferencing ang Presidente na nag-attend ng graduation. Kaparehong PMA at saka ng PNPA,” Roque said.

(This is the first time that the President will lead the graduation ceremonies via Zoom or teleconferencing. Both for PMA and PNPA.)

The ban on mass gathering amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic forced PMA to push through with the graduation ceremony sans the graduates’ parents.

“As a parent, I know how heartbreaking and disappointing that decision is, but we have to do what is best for all. Safety and health are paramount at all times,” PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Allan Ferdinand Cusi earlier said in a statement.

Meanwhile, both PMA and PNPA graduates for 2020 are led by women — Cadet First Class Gemalyn Sugui and Cadet Lei Anne Palermo, respectively.

EDV