Negrense topnotcher entered PMA through sibling's influence
BACOLOD CITY - Studious and humble.
That’s how the parents of 25-year-old Cadet First Class Janrey Artus described their son, who topped the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Masaligan Class of 2021.
The young Artus, who hails from Barangay Guintorilan, San Enrique, Negros Occidental is the third among the four children of Florencio, 62, a retired soldier, and Jocelyn, 62, a retired teacher.
According to Florencio, it didn’t cross Janrey’s mind to enter the military service. It was his eldest brother, who graduated from PMA in 2017, who encouraged him to try taking the entrance examination that year.
Florencio said Janrey was one of the topnotchers in the exam and was called up to proceed with the physical examination in Laguna.
Florencio said that Janrey was hesitant at first, as he was taking up B.S. Chemical Engineering at that time, but when he came back from Laguna, he made up his decision and decided to pursue the military service.
“Wala ako mahimo, kay amo na gusto niya, ga support lang kami ni nanay niya kay siya man gahimo sang kapalaran niya (I can’t do anything about it because that’s what he wants. We’re just supporting him because he’s the one who’s making his fate),“ his father said.
Florencio said that Janrey called them on Sunday, informing them to watch the live streaming of the PMA activity via Facebook on Monday, but didn’t mention anything to them about his achievement.
“Wala gid kami nag expect, indi kami ka pati” (We didn’t expect it. We could not believe it), Florencio said.
With their son’s achievement, Florencio and Jocelyn are thankful that he was able to surpass all the challenges in the military service.
Meanwhile, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded Janrey for his achievement, saying it was a proud moment for the province.
Lacson, in his message, said that graduating from the PMA is remarkable in itself, but he tested his limits and emerged top of their class.
“With this feat, you will be an exemplar and an inspiration to all the Negrenses, particularly to our youth,” the governor added.
It is also noteworthy that the name of your Class, Masaligan, of which you are the front runner, means trustworthy, reliable, and honorable in our local language, Lacson said.