BAGUIO CITY (PIA)–The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) announced today (May 10) the top performing cadets of PMA BAGSIK-DIWA (Bagong Sibol sa Kinabukasan Mandirigma Hanggang Wakas) Class of 2022.
Topping the class is Cadet First Class (C1CL) Krystlenn Ivany Quemado from South Cotabato. She will receive the Presidential Saber, Philippine Navy Saber, Jusmag Saber, Australian Defence Best Overall Performance Award, Spanish Armed Forces Award, Agfo Award, Academic Group Award, Humanities Plaque, Management Plaque, Social Sciences Plaque, and Navy Professional Courses Plaque.
“I did not expect that I will be graduating top of the class given that right from the start, I only wanted to give my best in everything that we do, in everything that I do… I am inspired to do more and to do better in future endeavors especially as I become an officer of the Philippine Navy, I want to maximize my potentials and to use my capacities to serve greater causes and to serve our country,” said Quemado.
Rank 2 is C1CL Kevin John Pastrana of Baguio City. He will receive the Vice Presidential Saber, Philippine Air Force Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance, Information Technology Plaque, and the Air Force Professional Courses Plaque.
“The greatest lesson that I have learned through those four years of my life here in the Academy is the lesson of being able to show to other people how you’re able to build your men in a way that you develop at the same time. And at best, those people that you are leading may become so much better and more developed than you because in the end, as leaders, it is not only us who should be developing but also the people we are leading. Because that makes a leader truly great,” shared Pastrana.
Rank 3 is C1CL Ian Joseph Bragancia from Iloilo. He will receive the Secretary of National Defense Saber, Philippine Army Saber, Chief Justice Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, Distinguished Cadet Award, General Antonio Luna Award, Mathematics Plaque, Natural Science Plaque, National Security Studies Plaque, and the Army Professional Courses Plaque.
Rounding up the top 10 are C1CL Faithe Turiano from Camarines Sur-4th, C1CL Yyoni Xandria Marie Tiu from Davao City-5th, C1CL Jake Anthony Mosquera from North Cotabato-6th, C1CL Jesie Mar Frias from Antipolo City, Rizal-7th, C1CL Elvin John Oyo-a from Butuan City-8th, C1CL Nerfa Minong from Zamboanga City-9th and C1CL Criselle Jane Rico-10th, also from Zamboanga City.
Also presented are cadets who will be receiving special awards. Athletic Saber awardees are C1CL Vince John Philippe Cabagnot from Bohol and C1CL Catherine Talosig from Tuguegarao. Aguinaldo Saber awardee is C1CL Maryknoll Rhea Cuis from Kalinga.
Other special awardees are C1CL Nico Ali Caceres from Naga City (Sports and Physical Development Plaque), C1CL Ian Van Gammad from Cagayan (Journalism Award), C1CL Janella Rose Espejo from Tarlac and C1CL Elaine Marey Paasa from Cagayan de Oro City (Distinguished Cadet Award), C1CL Dirk Kiryl Davalan from Baguio City (Chief of Staff Saber Award), and C1CL Precious Anne Vergara from Valenzuela City (Superintendent Saber).
In his message, PMA Superintendent LtGen. Ferdinand Cartujano emphasized to the graduating cadets the importance of embodying the core values of the Academy.
“More than academic excellence, know that in our profession it is equally important to have a brave heart and the passion to serve and always embody the virtues of courage, integrity, and loyalty. As you enter the real page of training, you will realize that there is more to learn from our profession. To be a great leader is to be a lifelong learner,” Cartujano said.
The PMA BAGSIK-DIWA Class of 2022 will graduate on May 15, 2022 with President Rodrigo Duterte as the guest of honor and speaker.
The class is composed of 214 cadets, 165 are males and 49 are females. Of the class, 104 will join the Philippine Army, 57 to the Philippine Navy, and 53 to Philippine Air Force. **JDP/DEG-PIA CAR
