PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday told the Philippine Military Academy graduates to be vanguards of hope and catalysts for change and warned them about corruption.
“It is not only your enemies but the entire world that will test, tempt, corrupt and pressure you,” Duterte said in his speech during the commencement exercises of the PMA class of 2017 at the Fort General Gregorio H. del Pilar in Baguio City.
“Remember your roots and remember the people. Be vanguards of [hope], be catalysts of change.”
Duterte made his statement even as the valedictorian of the Class of 2017 urged her fellow graduates to never let their imperfections hinder them from striving for excellence.
“I’m just an ordinary cadet, one who commits mistakes, who slept in class and has flaws in my own ways. Nobody’s perfect, but being imperfect does not mean that you do not aim for excellence,” said 22-year-old Rovi Mairel Valino Martinez.
“For as long as you’re doing your best in everything you do, that is excellence and cadets like us should always aim for that.”
Martinez, the second woman to top her class in PMA history, also vowed that she and her classmates will serve the country honorably.
“We will strive to become the best officers who are worthy of your respect and trust.”
Duterte thanked all the Filipino soldiers for their loyalty to the flag.
“Rest assured that the government will reciprocate your valor and your unwavering courage by providing you with all the necessary support and incentives,” Duterte said.
“This administration will give you and your families the services, benefits and entitlements that you rightfully deserve.”
Duterte vowed that the soldiers will be provided with the proper equipment and weapons so they could defend themselves even when they were off-duty.
In the next two to three years the AFP will have flight simulators, radars, support, patrol and assault vehicles as well as new surveillance and fighter aircraft so the soldiers could better guard the seas.
Duterte said with the people’s continuing support, the soldiers would have an AFP that they could truly be proud of”•an AFP that would be at par with the rest of the world.
“Therefore, to the Salaknib Class of 2017 and to the men and women of the AFP, I say this to you: Proceed with your heads held high, knowing that the government and the Filipino people are with you in every step of the way. Powered by our strong convictions and an unshakable faith in the Filipino, let us overcome the challenges that lie ahead and usher in a great future for our nation,” Duterte said.
“Long live the Armed Forces of the Philippines! Long live our strong and beloved Republic of the Philippines!”
Duterte also extended his condolences to the families of the soldiers who died for their country.
“Let me assure the bereaved that the valiant sacrifices of your loved ones will not be in vain. Your government will ensure that your needs will be taken care of. That is my commitment to you,” he said.
Among those who attended the ceremony was Vice President Leni Robredo, Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, General Eduardo Año, Lieutenant General Donato San Juan, Mayor Mauricio Domogan, the foreign service attachés, the officials, faculty members and staff of the Philippine Military Academy, the parents of the PMA Class of 2017 and the cadet corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“This is the first time female cadets occupied eight of the Top 10 spots in their graduating class,” Duterte said.
“To the Salaknib Class of 2017, may you always stay true to your class name and defend the motherland with all your honor and might.
“I have no doubt that you will do this because you are the cream of the crop. You belong to the batch who have successfully hurdled the rigors of the PMA from over 22,000 applicants.”