Aquino to lead 110th PMA graduation rites on Sunday

President Benigno Aquino III will lead the 110th graduation rites of the Philippine Military Academy at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday.

 

But before leading the rites for this year's Sinaglahi class, Aquino is to inaugurate the new PMA Sports Complex, according to a Malacañang statement Saturday.

 

The Palace statement said Aquino is to arrive in Baguio City at 9 a.m. to inaugurate the PMA Sports Complex at the Jurado Hall, then go to the Fajardo Grandstand for the graduation rites.

 

Expected to join Aquino at the graduation rites are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., and other ranking military officials.

 

Some 5,000 people are expected to attend the program including members of the AFP Cadet Corps, former PMA superintendents, PMA command personnel officers, AFP Major Services and Area commanders, PMA alumni, members of the Foreign Armed Forces Attaché, enlisted personnel and civilian employees.

 

Five of the Top 10 graduates are from Mindanao and most of them are to be assigned to the Philippine Army.

 

The top 10 members of Sinag-Lahi are:

 

1. Arwi Martinez of Baguio City 

2. Genesis Dizon of Zamboanga City

3. John Paul Bacsain of Pili, Camarines Sur

4.  Paolo Dominic Regis of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

5. Caroline Jhoy Ramirez Nacional of Maitum, Sarangani Province

6. John Denver Bambico of Naguilian, La Union

7. Jan Klyde Blair Danganan of Baguio City

8. Steven Tali of Zamboanga City

9. Brian Villanueva of General Santos City

10. Regeric Rex Fuentes of M’lang, North Cotabato

 

In Manila, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte relayed the Palace's well wishes to the graduates.

 

“We wish all the graduates luck and safety as they continue to bear the flag for us,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.

 

Valte also noted Nacional is in the Top 10 as the nation observes National Women’s Month. 

 

The Palace said Aquino will also take part in a Merienda Cena for the new graduates at the Conference Hall of the Mansion on Leonard Wood Road before heading back to Manila. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News