President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his speech during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy “Madasigon” Class of 2023 at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City on May 21, 2023. (Photo screengrab from RTVM)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday urged the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Madasigon” Class to further fuel their commitment to public service and hold on to the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism.
Gracing a PMA graduation for the first time as the nation’s commander-in-chief, Marcos told the 310 graduating cadets to remain humble and to continue to honor their parents, mentors, and loved ones who helped them get through their journey in the military academy.
He assured the graduates that he will work closely with them for a “collective public service in building a stronger” country.
“You have been trained now to be prepared for the daunting challenges that await outside this fort. You now continue your lifelong commitment to the nation; the true battles will now begin,” he said in a speech delivered during the commencement exercises of PMA “Madasigon” Class of 2023 at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City.
“To the graduates, your courage, strength, and skills have made you fit and qualified for admission into the armed forces and deployment into the actual theaters of operations. As you join the military’s ranks, continue to fuel your undying commitment to genuine love for country and public service,” he added.
“As you encounter challenges along the way, apply the hard lessons that you have learned while in the halls of the academy, clinging to the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism. That way, you will never lose your way,” he further said.
The President likewise emphasized in his speech the importance of the military’s modernization program to help the fresh graduates accomplish their commitment as members of the armed forces.
The 310 PMA “Madasigon” Class of 2023, which consist of 238 men and 72 women, will be joining the Philippine Army (158), Philippine Navy (77), and Philippine Air Force (75). The valedictorian of the class is Cadet 1CL Warren Leonor, who hails from Lipa City, Batangas. He would be joining the PAF.
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“You (graduates) now join a modern and professional organization which is now a more effective and even more formidable vehicle for public service and nation building and a continuing source of pride and self-fulfillment for the individual personnel,” Marcos said.
On May 18, Marcos signed into law a bill amending the AFP fixed-term code or the Republic Act (RA) 11939, or the amendment to RA 11709, and said this move “aims to strengthen further the professionalization and merit system of our armed forces.”
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