FILE PHOTO: The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City is the country’s leading military training institution that prepares cadets for leadership roles in the military on May 18, 2024, PMA graduates belonging to the Bagong Sinag Class of 2024 were encouraged to “ensure the integrity of the national territory.“ In a speech during commencement rites in Baguio City, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rallied the graduates to “defend the sovereignty of the state.“ INQUIRER/EV ESPIRITU
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduates belonging to the Bagong Sinag Class of 2024 were encouraged to “ensure the integrity of the national territory.“
In a speech during commencement rites here Saturday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rallied the graduates of the country’s prime military school to “defend the sovereignty of the state.“
“You will respect civilian authority. You will protect the life and liberty of our people,” he said.
“You will abide by these words, even in the most trying of circumstances. When rations grow thin, morale is low, let these words continue to sustain you,” he added.
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Marcos’ remarks to the graduating class came amid China’s aggression and expansion in the West Philippine Sea.
The Bagong Sinag class comprises 278 graduates – 224 men and 54 women.
Female cadet First Class (Cdt 1stCL) Jeneth Elumba was named valedictorian of the batch, becoming the seventh woman in the PMA’s history to finish at the top of her class.
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The majority of the batch’s top graduating cadets were also female.
The PMA’s Bagong Sinag Class of 2024 Top 10 are:
- Cdt 1stCL Jeneth Elumba
- Cdt 1stCL Mark Armuel U Boiles
- Cdt 1stCL Kim Harold Gilo
- Cdt 1stCL Cyril Joy J. Masculino
- Cdt 1stCL Rosemel B. Dogello
- Cdt 1stCL Alexa Mye P. Valen
- Cdt 1stCL Floyd Niño Arthur G. Roxas
- Cdt 1stCL Giselle G. Tong
- Cdt 1stCL Danica Marie Viray
- Cdt 1stCL Nerica C. Binag