BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – Department of National Defense (DND) OIC Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. led the awarding of outstanding members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) MADASIGON Class of 2023 and the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) in a ceremony held at the Borromeo Field, Fort del Pilar here on Saturday (May 20).

 Assisted by AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino and PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Rowen Tolentino, Galvez conferred the special awards to the outstanding cadets.

PMA MADASIGON Class of 2023 Valedictorian Cadet First Class Warren Leonor received the Academic Group Award, Tactics Group Award, Social Sciences Plaque, National Security Studies Plaque, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, and Sports and Development Plaque. He also received the General Antonio Luna Award with M1911 caliber .45 pistol.

The class salutatorian Cadet 1CL Edmundo Logronio received the Army Professional Courses Plaque and the Tactical Officer’s Plaque.

Also awarded were Cadet 1CL Rico Jay Fernandez (Leadership Plaque); Cadet 1CL Arla Krish Bahingawan (Humanities Plaque); Cadet 1CL John Troy Albano (Mathematics Plaque); Cadet 1CL Carlo Andrei Valencia (Natural Sciences Plaque); Cadet 1CL Jasper Balunso (Navy Professional Courses Plaque), and Cadet 1CL Jeuel Ariel Wangwang (Information Technology Plaque). Cadet 1CL John Cris Galusmo received the Journalism Award and a MacBook Air from Civil Relations Service Commander Brigadier General Arvin Lagamon.

The graduating cadets joining their respective branch of service who excelled in marksmanship training were awarded with Armscor Caliber .45 pistol. Likewise, streamers and trophies were given to the distinguished and performing units of the CCAFP.

In his keynote message, Galvez congratulated the awardees including their parents and families. He also commended the team PMA for “another fruitful year of leadership, shepherding, mentorship and support to our cadets.”

He also called on the graduating cadets to uphold the values of the PMA, and maintain the dignity of the Corps.

“My dear cadets, you are just in the beginning of service in your chosen profession … Always maintain the dignity of the Corps. Be an officer, and gentleman and a gentle lady, always. You should not waver even in the face of difficulties and challenging circumstances. Retain the moral high ground, adhere and uphold the values of the PMA,” Galvez underscored.

The major awards of the top performing cadets will be conferred during their graduation rites on Sunday, May 21 with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr as the guest of honor and speaker. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR) (Photos: PMA)