PMA valedictorian to mistahs: Become ‘agents of positive change’

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Become “agents of positive change." This was the message of now Navy Ensign Ariel Rallos, valedictorian of this year’s Philippine Military Academy class of “Baghawi," to his classmates in his speech during the PMA’s graduation rites Tuesday. The 26-year old Rallos also urged the 210 other members of the class “to exhibit the values and character that we have developed during our years of stay here in the academy." “We should be agents of positive change that would make a difference, the PMA difference. We should exercise the knowledge and skills that we have learned from the officers and instructors who have been instrumental in our successful cadetship," Rallos said. “We have proven our worth as cadets having been declared graduates. But our commitment should not stop here. We should continue to strive for excellence and to make remarkable contributions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the people and the nation," he added. Rallos also asked his “mistahs" that as they bid their alma mater, they should be firm and strong “in dealing with our endeavors" wherever branch of military service they are going to. ““We should be the best person and officer that we can be by holding on to the idealism, patriotism, and values that have been placed deep in our hearts. Let us uphold our duty and mandate of being the protector of the people and our Constitution," Rallos said. Of the new PMA graduates, 119 are going to the Army, 57 to the Navy, and 44 to the Air Force. “Let us not fail the long gray line that have been ahead of us and prove ourselves ready to be servant leaders. Let us however remain humble and always steadfast in our faith to the Almighty One. Only time will be able to say if indeed, we the Baghawi, has been able to fully uphold the virtues of courage, integrity and loyalty," Rallos said. In his valedictory address, Rallos also thanked his family and friends for their support. This year’s PMA graduation rites was presided by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who missed the PMA alumni homecoming last Feb. 16 due to an alleged assassination plot against her by the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah. - GMANews.TV