President Aquino Sunday said the new graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) must now help address the problems of the nation, including fighting corruption while serving the people and protecting the nation’s democracy.
Speaking at the graduation rites of the PMA Bagwis Class of 2012 in Baguio City, the President recognized the military’s efforts to fight lawless elements, respond to calamities, and keep peace in the country. He assured that that the government would continue to look after their welfare in the form of the equipment and benefits.
In his speech, the Chief Executive also recalled asking his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, on what does one get out of from abusing and stealing from the people.
In reply, Aquino said his mother gave him a simple answer not to waste his time understanding them.
Class valedictorian Tom “Nonoy” Puertollano of Lipa City, Batangas leads the 187 graduates of Bagwis Class, including 19 females. All were commissioned as second lieutenants of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Puertollano received 11 major awards, including the Presidential Saber and presidential academic excellence award. He will join the Philippine Army (PA).
BAGWIS means “Bagong Kawal na may Iisang Lakas.” The class claim to be the “new breed of soldiers which has a unified strength.” Of the graduates, 102 will join the Army, 37 in Philippine Air Force, and 48 in Philippine Navy.
