A female and South Cotabato-native cadet emerged on top of the graduating batch of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “BAGSIK-DIWA” (Bagong Sibol Kinabukasan Didigma Hanggang sa Wakas) Class of 2022.
Cadet First Class (1CL) Krystlenn Ivany Quemado was introduced as the class valedictorian of the PMA Batch 2022 in a forum presided by Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Cartujano, PMA Superintendent, at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City on Tuesday, May 10.
The 22-year-old cadet hails from Koronadal City, South Cotabato. She was inspired to enter the military service by her father, Colonel Nicolas Quemado, the Inspector General of the Philippine Army and a graduate of PMA Class of 1993.
“As she envisions maximizing her potential and utilizing her capacities for a more significant cause, she entered the noble profession of arms. She traversed the path of an Education and Training Officer, one who promotes the essence of knowledge and seeks continuous progress and pursuits of competence,” the PMA noted of the younger Quemado.
Other cadets included in the Top 10 were Cadets 1CL Kevin John Pastrana from Baguio City; Ian Joseph Bragancia from Iloilo; Faithe Turiano from Camarines Sur; Yyoni Xandria Marie Tiu from Davao City; Jake Anthony Mosquera from North Cotabato; Jesie Mar Frias from Antipolo City, Rizal; Elvin John Oyo-a from Butuan City; Nerfa Minong from Zamboanga City; and Criselle Jane Rico from Zamboanga City.
The PMA BAGSIK-DIWA Class of 2022 is composed of 165 males and 49 females.
Among them were 104 Army Cadets, 57 Midshipmen, and 53 Aero Cadets.
The cadets will join their respective branches of service as Lieutenants or Ensigns after the commencement exercises on Sunday, May 15, with Quemado planning to enter the Philippine Navy.
“The top performing Cadets are diverse. It is comprised of five female cadets and five male cadets. They came from different parts of the Philippines with other religions and ethnicity but with the shared goal of serving their country as brave and valiant soldiers,” Cartujano said.
“This is a testament that every cadet is given equal opportunities regardless of their different beliefs and upbringing,” he added.
Amidst the dangers posed by the COVID-19 virus and its variants, the PMA assured that it has taken necessary precautions to keep the cadets and the guests safe and COVID-free including during the commencement exercises.