Koronadal’s Krystlenn Ivany Quemado is PMA valedictorian

A resident of Koronadal City emerged as the valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) batch “Bagsik Diwa” Class of 2022.

According to Russel Simorio’s report on “24 Oras” on Sunday, 21-year-old Cadet First Class (1CL) Krystlenn Ivany Quemado led the military school's 214 successful graduates this year.

Quemado said that her father, Army Colonel Nicolas Quemado Jr., inspired her to aim higher.

“Our parents are the source of all our strength and support. They’re the ones who have been there since the beginning. The need for me to also render a life of duty, I saw it at him. He served as my inspiration for the service he gave to the country. Also, he’s been my source of motivation,” Quemado said.

The Bagsik Diwa Class of 2022 was composed of 165 male and 49 female cadets. Of these, four other female cadets were also included in the top 10.

The PMA said 105 graduates will join the Army, while 52 will join the Air Force and 57 will serve in the Navy.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said the new graduates are among the future leaders responsible for protecting the Filipino people’s rights.

Duterte said they will be among those who will fight the country’s problems including corruption, crimes, and illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, strict observance of public health protocols were imposed during the face-to-face graduation after two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. — Mel Matthew Doctor/BM, GMA News