Noy to lead 110th PMA commencement exercises

MANILA, Philippines — President Aquino will lead today’s 110th commencement exercises at Fort Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City  for the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sinag Lahi Class of 2015.

Joining the President are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., and other ranking military officials.

Malacañang had sent its well wishes to this year’s batch of graduates led by class valedictorian Cadet First Class Arwi Martinez, who will soon join the ranks of the Philippine Army.

Martinez, 22, soft-spoken and religious, hails from Barangay Loakan in Baguio that is just a stone’s throw from the country’s premier military training institution.

“We wish all the graduates luck and safety as they continue to bear the flag for us,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over state-run Radyo ng Bayan yesterday.

Valte also welcomed the news that a woman, Cadet Caroline Jhoy Nacional, once again made it to the Top 10 as the nation observes National Women’s Month.

Aquino is scheduled to arrive at the PMA at 9 a.m. to inaugurate the newly completed PMA Sports Complex at the Jurado Hall.

He will then proceed to the Fajardo Grandstand for the estimated two-hour commencement exercises.

About 5,000 people are expected to attend the program.

Aquino will also take part in the merienda cena for the PMA Sinag Lahi Class of 2015 at the Conference Hall of the Mansion House in Leonard Wood Road before heading back to Manila.