PMA’s top 2018 grad: From farm boy to Filipino soldier

"Son, it is much easier and lighter to carry a pen than to hold a plow. You should study hard instead."

These words of wisdom from his father served as motivation for young Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria, a farm boy from Pavia, Iloilo, to reach for his dreams and aim for a more comfortable life.

Little did he know, however, that this piece of advice would lead him not just to earning a nursing degree but to becoming the top graduating cadet of the Philippine Military Academy Alab Tala Class of 2018.

In his valedictory speech delivered Sunday during the PMA graduation rites, Hontoria recalled a simpler life on the farm.

"We would often spend our nights in a small hut near the farm to monitor the rice fields irrigated over the night. I would wake up around three o’clock in the morning to go home to prepare for school," he said.

One time, he sought his father's help to teach him how to plow the field.

But instead of taking him to the field to demonstrate how plowing works, Hontoria's father gave him what he called the "very striking statement" that changed his life forever.

"Even though I was frustrated, I realized Tatay was right. I have felt how it feels to have none, and that drives me to work for something that I do not have. Life taught me this simple lesson," he said.

"Inspired by my Tatay’s words, I told myself to study hard so that someday I may have a more comfortable life," he added.

Even after he obtained a professional license to practice nursing, Hontoria feltthat something was still lacking—and then the opportunity to study at the military school of the Armed Forces of the Philippines came knocking at his door.

Hontoria had a tough time convincing his parents to let him pursue military school, he said. But upon finally getting their blessing, he knew his life would change forever.

Life in the academy was never easy, Hontoria admitted, as he and his mistahs were pushed beyond their physical, mental and psychological limits.

But it is through this kind of training, and the things he had to give up along the way, that made Hontoria realize what is it to become a Filipino soldier.

"We have given up the chance of being with our families, friends and loved ones during special occasions and in the times when we are needed the most. While we have learned to face failures, frustrations and disappointments that crushed us down, we would also eventually learn to stand up with the lessons learned in our hands," he said.

"We have suffered with freedom, our rights, privileges and the comforts of our carefree civilian lives in exchange of serving God, country and people," he added.

Through it all, Hontoria said, he sometimes still worries about what he may face as part of the military.

"We are also the youth of our land just like the rest who came before us. But we are of a different breed, of a different purpose with a different story. We have given up our own mission and goals in life, for something bigger than our own," he said.

On his graduation day, all of Hontoria's efforts and sacrifices did not go to waste, as he graduated at the top of his batch, and earned the admiration of his peers.

Among others, he was awarded by President Rodrigo Duterte the Presidential Saber for topping the Military President's List of Class 2018.

He was also given a certificate for one house and lot, where he and his family could comfortably live.

Despite everything he has achieved, Hontoria said he still want to go back to his roots.

"I hope that someday, I could back to that farm, the place where all else started, knowing that I have given my best for my country and people," he said. — Erwin Colcol/BM, GMA News