MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called on the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduates to sacrifice for the country and keep the Philippine territory secure.
In a speech during the PMA “Bagong Sinag” Class of 2024 graduation ceremony at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City, President Marcos said the country currently faces threats to national territory and those who seek to divide the Filipino people.
“We will vigorously defend what is ours, but our conduct is always guided by law and [by] our responsibility as a rules-abiding member of the community of nations,” the President said.
“What we are facing now are a blatant disregard of internationally accepted principles and deployment of weapons of mass destruction by parties who seek to drive a wedge between a united citizenry,” he added.
The Chief Executive’s call comes on the heels of media reports saying that China has issued a regulation empowering its coast guard to detain foreigners trespassing in the South China Sea.
“But people are not fooled. They can see through such schemes. So, these attempts to divert our attention, dissipate our energy better spent on making the country should not draw us away from the urgent tasks ahead. And that is to keep our people safe in their homes, our territory secure, our defenses against threats strong, and our democracy stable,” Marcos said.
President Marcos also told the graduates that soldiering now “is no longer limited to defending territories, but to improve the lives of the people who live there.”
“Giving up the simplicity and safety of civilian life, including the comforts of their own homes, is what you have signed up for in your military career,” the Chief Executive further said.
According to the PMA, there are a total of 278 cadets graduated from the PMA this year. Of this number, 224 are men and 54 are females. Seven of the top 10 graduates are also females.
Cadet 1st Class Jeneth Elumba, this year’s valedictorian, is the seventh female to top a PMA graduating class. Elumba is a farmer’s daughter who hails from Surigao City./PN
