BACOLOD City — A young man from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental has brought pride and honor to his hometown after finishing among the top graduates of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2026.
Cadet First Class Mark Clement Dequinto Centina, a native of Barangay Burgos, Cadiz City, ranked No. 10 in the graduating “Talang Dangal” Class and is set to graduate on May 16 as one of the country’s top future military officers.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. lauded Centina’s achievement, saying the young cadet exemplifies the city’s guiding principle of a “culture of compassion, mindset for excellence.”
“Centina’s achievement is truly inspiring,” Escalante said. “His grit, discipline, and dedication propelled him to become one of the academy’s top cadets and a source of pride for every Cadizeño.”
For Centina, however, the road to success was far from easy.
Before entering the academy, the 24-year-old was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics at University of the Philippines-Visayas. Already in his third year of college, he made the life-changing decision to leave civilian life behind after receiving his appointment to the PMA.
The son of a retired Philippine Army enlisted personnel and a sugarcane farm consultant, Centina grew up in a humble household where he learned the values of hard work and perseverance.
He completed his secondary education at Negros Occidental National Science High School before enrolling at UP-Visayas.
Centina said his desire to serve the country grew stronger during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a student leader, I saw how difficult the situation was for many Filipinos,” he said. “That was when my desire to serve became stronger.”
Entering PMA during the pandemic presented additional challenges, as cadets were expected to excel academically while undergoing rigorous physical and mental training.
One of the most difficult periods, he said, came during his second year as a third-class cadet when responsibilities increased significantly.
“The standards remained, but the responsibilities became greater,” Centina recalled.
Beyond academic and military duties, cadets were also expected to serve as role models for younger students inside the academy.
“Hindi sapat na magaling ka lang, o malakas, o matalino. Dapat kaya mong gawin lahat,” he said.
Despite the pressure and exhaustion, Centina persevered through discipline, patience, dedication, and faith. He also credited his family and fellow cadets for helping him through the academy’s toughest moments.
For Centina, gaining admission to PMA was already a blessing. Finishing in the Top 10, he said, was more than he had ever imagined.
After graduation, he will join the Philippine Army.
He hopes his story will inspire fellow Cadizeños, Negrosanons, and young Filipinos to pursue bigger dreams regardless of their circumstances.
“If you want to do something bigger than yourself, then PMA is the best place for you,” he said.
“PMA honed our discipline at the highest level—not only teaching us what to do or say, but also when to do it and when to speak.”
Beyond the medals and recognition, Centina said his greatest achievement is making his family proud.
“To see my family happy because of the sacrifices and efforts I made is one of the proudest moments of my life,” he said.
For the young man from Barangay Burgos who once quietly dreamed of wearing the military uniform, his message remains simple but powerful: humble beginnings should never prevent anyone from aiming higher.
“Kung kinaya ko na galing lang sa simpleng buhay at pamilya, kaya n’yo rin,” he said. “I encourage you to take the PMA challenge.”/PN
