PMA valedictorian: The institution is great

MANILA, Philippines - Amid calls for the abolition of the Philippine Military Academy, cadets of the Lakas Tipon Alagad ng Bayan (Laon Alab Class of 2011) proudly stood their ground and faced President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

The PMA class of 2011, composed of 196 graduates, was led by valedictorian Angelo Edward Parras from Apalit, Pampanga.

In his valedictory speech, Parras told his mistahs that passing the PMA qualifications transcends way beyond the diploma.

“Our degree entitles us to nothing, but places on our shoulders a greater level of responsibility,” he said.

He noted he has a “deep and abiding faith in the men and women of the Academy,” despite the allegations besetting the military. Because of the controversies that have been linked to top military officials, mostly graduates of PMA, some quarters have called for the abolition of the academy.

Quoting oldest PMA alumni Col. Rey Macalbus, Parras said “do not destroy the institution because of one or two men.”

He believes there are more heroes among its ranks, rather than what the public has perceived them to be.

In his speech, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III engaged the cadets to uphold the institution.

Laon Alab Class

In the ceremony held at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City, Parras was awarded the Presidential Saber Award by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III himself.

The Pampagueño was also given the Philippine Navy Saber Award, for being the number 1 cadet to join the navy.

Jon Rigor Guiang of Zamboanga del Norte came in second, taking home the Vice Presidential Saber Award that was handed by Vice President Jejomar Binay himself.

Guiang was also given both the Chief of Staff and the Philippine Army Saber Awards.

Meanwhile, Jayson Luna of Enrile, Cagayan ran third in the honors list. He was awarded with the Secretary of National Defense Saber Award.

The list was completed by:

Aliay Diño of Maragondon, Naic, Cavite;
Rigor Pamittan of Tuguegarao City;
Janice Baniaga Matbagan;
Bobby Gabayno of Odiongan Romblon;
Kristogfer Engay of Tuao, Cagayan;
Norman Carual of Tabaco City; and
Jayson Pariñas, Munoz, Nueva Ecija.
Matbagan, the only female in the top 10, was awarded with the Philippine Air Force Saber Award, for being the number 1 cadet to join the Air Force.

The top students were evaluated by their "overall performance in all academic and tactic scores."

After the awarding and receiving of diplomas, the cadets recited their graduation oath.

source: abs-cbn