BAGUIO CITY(PIA) — For years now, Cordillera has shown a strong presence at the Philippine Military Academy.
In this year’s PMA Class graduates, Cordillerans comprised the biggest number of cadets, with three among the top performers.
At least 24 of the 207-strong PMA “Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal” Class of 2026 graduates who received their diplomas from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the commencement exercises on May 16, 2026, trace their roots to the provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Leading the Cordilleran graduates is Thomas Edgar Isla Sepulchre, who ranked Number 3. His father is from Sabangan, Mountain Province, while his mother is from Gerona, Tarlac. He grew up in Angeles City.
“I am very proud of my Cordilleran roots. I grew up in Angeles City but I am very proud that I possess Igorot blood and I want to dedicate this achievement, this victory, to the whole of the Cordillera,” Sepulchre said.
Two Cordilleran ladies were likewise among the top performers. Iway Inchan Ateo-an of Bontoc, Mountain Province, received the Journalism Award of the class, while Adriane Faith Pe San Jose of La Trinidad in Benguet, and Tadian in Mountain Province, is a recipient of the Superintendent’s Saber for her exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and outstanding performance. She served as Chairperson of the Honor Committee of the cadet corps, upholding integrity as both a principle and practice.
The class goat, Reggie Bolinget, is from Baguio City but traces his roots to Sagada, Mountain Province.
The four are joining the Philippine Army.
Kalinga recorded the highest number of graduates among the Cordillera provinces. They are Christian Baligod Ayabo, Nika Ofod Daluping, Emmanuel John Maymaya Sorita, Lorainne Domallig Addamo, Gibea Angbal Puday, Cydan Zack Mangay-ayam Romero, Byron Basitao Banog, and Braille Van Choc-angon Lobhoy, all from Tabuk City, while Nerissa Daluyen is from Rizal.
There are also four graduates from Sagada, Mountain Province, namely, Genevieve Graile Calngan Guindalos, Leonel Sepuntos Agyod, Aileen Gleen Lizardo Fangayen, and Alheeson Jhan Gayman Buyuccan.
Hanz Ludwig Cawayan Kiddagan, meanwhile, hails from the town of Bauko.
Aside from San Jose, three more are from La Trinidad, Benguet. They are Sophia Dominique Bjelle Bañez Co, Ezekiel Domin-ong Navarro, and Jethro Vicente Calion of Buguias, Benguet.
Stephen Mark Sison Ayahao and Gideon Puddunan Dinamling are from Ifugao.
From Baguio City are Lemuel Kaleb, Gale Gloria, and Seth Timothy Abrea Celino.
These newly commissioned officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines add to the growing list of Cordillerans in the uniformed service. **JDP/ RMC- PIA CAR
