A total of 278 cadets of the Philippine Military Academy's (PMA) "Bagong Sinag" Class of 2024, also known as the “pandemic babies”, graduated at Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday, May 18.
Out of the cadets, Cadet 1st Class Jeneth Elumba, who hails from Surigao del Norte, emerged as the valedictorian of this year’s graduating class, which is composed of 224 males and 54 females.
Set to join the Philippine Army, Elumba received numerous recognitions including the Presidential Saber from President Marcos Jr., the Philippine Army Saber, Jusmag Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award (Army), Tactics Group Award, and Army Professional Plaque.
Elumba is the seventh female cadet to graduate at the top of a graduating class in the history of the PMA.
In her validectory address, Elumba said that being declared as the class valedictorian was both an “honor and a privilege” while acknowledging that it carries a “significant responsibility.”
“Throughout our cadetship, our class has been commonly known as the pandemic babies since we began our plebehood year during the rise of the Covid-19. This period marked the introduction of various protocols and safety measures to combat the pandemic,” she recalled.
Despite the struggle brought about by the spread of the deadly virus that forced the PMA to adapt unconventional ways of learning such as online class and use of modules, Elumba said the class of Bagong Sinag – which stands for “Bagong Henerasyong Gagampanan ang Tama: Serbisyo, Integridad at Nasyonalismo ang Aming Gabay” – persevered to finish their four-year studies.
“Today, as we graduate, we stand on the hallowed parading grounds [of] Borromeo Field, finally able to see our parents, friends, and loved ones, watching us with pride as we reflect on the four years of successes and failures that shaped our journey,” she said.
“New beginnings await us beyond the walls of this academy. Mistah, we are about to confront the realities of the world outside where our individual journeys will lead us to diff units and diverging paths,” she added.
“Let us go forth and serve our nation with the character, skills, and education that the Philippine Military Academy has nurtured within us,” the PMA valedictorian stated.
The ceremony was graced by President Marcos Jr., Vice Pres. Sara Duterte, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr.
The new breed of military officers from the country’s premier military institution are expected to serve under the three branches of the AFP: Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Philippine Navy (PN). They were officially commissioned as second lieutenants and ensigns in the regular force of the AFP.
PMA Superintendent Lieutenant General Rowen Tolentino said the Bagong Sinag class symbolizes and promotes a new ray of hope for the AFP as the PMA reaffirms its commitment to continue upholding the welfare and sovereignty of the Filipino nation.