MARCOS JR. TO PMA GRADS: BECOME CHAMPIONS OF PEOPLES WELFARE

May 24, 2024 Headlines

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the 278 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy class of 2024 to become champions of the welfare of the people. He stressed that soldiering now is no longer limited to defending
territories but to improve the lives of the people who live in it. The graduates of the “Bagong Sinag class of 2024” led by 24-year-old Jenneth B. Elumba from Pagadian City were recognized as “products of the best military school of the
world” and coming from a great tradition of excellence.

Marcos Jr. lined up tasks for the PMA graduates, such as foregoing the comforts of home to ensure people’s security, endure physical separation of loved ones to protect families and communities, respect civilian authority, protect the life and liberty of the people, defend the sovereignty of the state, and ensure the integrity of the national territory. He
emphasized that the country is now in a crucial time, and the graduates must be resolute and hold on.

Marcos Jr. highlighted the administration’s achievements over the past two years in peace building, stating that the
Filipino people can now “see and feel” the progress made in peace building. However, he also raised concerns about the disregard for internationally accepted principles and deployment of weapons of mass distraction by parties seeking to drive a wedge between a united citizenry. President Marcos reminded the cadets that attempts to divert people’s attention and dissipate energy are better spent in making the country better and facing the urgent tasks ahead. One of the tasks is to keep the Filipino people safe in their homes, the Philippine territory secured, defenses against threats strengthened, and maintaining a stable and strong democracy.

Art Dumlao/ABN