BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will lead the graduation rites of the Philippine Military Academy 'MAndirigmang May DAngal SImbolo ng Galing at PagbangON' (MADASIGON) Class of 2023 at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City on Sunday, May 21.

Gracing the PMA graduation for the first time as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Pres. Marcos will present the diplomas and awards of the 311 graduating cadets. He will deliver his message to the graduates who have conquered the extra mile in their education and military training.
 
Vice President Sara Duterte is also expected to grace the graduation ceremony, and will award the Vice Presidential Saber to the class salutatorian.
 
The MADASIGON Class of 2023 is composed of 239 males and 72 females of which, 158 will join the Philippine Army, 65 to the Philippine Air Force, and 77 to the Philippine Navy.
  
PMA Public Affairs Office Chief Major Charito Dulay, in a local radio interview, said that as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, health and safety protocols will be imposed. Attendees must be fully vaccinated. They must fill-up and submit COVID-19 Surveillance and Health Declaration Form together with a negative antigen result. Wearing of face mask at all times and physical distancing will also be strictly enforced.
 
Only the two parents of every cadet will stay at the grandstand. The rest of the cadets' family members will stay on the side of the grandstand, Dulay said.
 
Tight security will also be in place with the Presidential Security Group taking the lead.
 
Spanning more than 100 years in history, the PMA is the country’s premiere military institution and training ground for aspiring future officers of the AFP. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)