Fort General Gregorio H. del Pilar, Baguio City
May 15, 2022
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Bagong Sibol sa Kinabukasan Didigma Hanggang sa Wakas’ (BAGSIK DIWA) Class of 2022 at Fort General Gregorio H. del Pilar in Baguio City.
The President led the awarding ceremony to 214 graduates of Bachelor of Science in National Security Management Degree composed of 165 males and 49 females. They shall be deployed in the three (3) branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), with 104 joining the Philippine Army (PA), 57 in the Philippine Navy (PN), and 53 in the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana formally commissioned the members of PMA BAGSIK DIWA Class of 2022 as Probationary Ensigns and Second Lieutenants of the AFP.
In his message to the graduates, President Duterte said, “My public life as a President and Commander-in-Chief of AFP comes to an end. In contrast, your responsibility to uphold, protect and secure people’s lives and properties officially starts today.”
“Only the courageous, fearless, competitive and disciplined, and the best can pass through this hallowed ground of PMA. The fact that you march here today at this historic and mystical ground is a testament that you are the best that the youth of the land can offer,” he continued.
Cadet First Class (CDT 1CL) Krystlenn Ivany Quemado, who hails from Koronadal City in South Cotabato, topped the class and is joining the Philippine Navy with the rank of Ensign (ENS). As Class Valedictorian, she received the Presidential Saber Award from the Commander-in-Chief.
She also received a house and lot from the President as a graduation gift. Meanwhile, the ‘goat’ or the last in ranking among the graduating class, CDT 1CL Romulo Dawilan III, also received a .45 caliber pistol from the President.
The Commander-in-Chief issued a reminder to the BAGSIK DIWA Class of 2022. “Today, the man in uniform must be many things at the same time if he is to be relevant to the changing times. He must be both a warrior and a peacemaker; an arms-bearer and a pencil pusher; skilled in the art of war and adept as a lifesaver; an offensive machine and a fierce defender; a tribune and a diplomat; a soldier and a civil servant. You can be all these if you want,” President Duterte stated.
“The eyes of the Filipino people are upon you. Always remain true to your oath. By your actuations in public, the Philippine Military Academy shall be judged. You are the face of your alma mater,” he added.
This is President Duterte’s final attendance in the PMA Commencement Exercises as his term of office is set to end by June 30, 2022.
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