PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday called on the new graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to live by the three core values of the school - courage, integrity and loyalty.

“Remember always the three words that have been ingrained deeply in your hearts—courage, integrity and loyalty. Embody these words and use them to guide your actions throughout your careers,” Duterte told the 282 members of the Alagad ng Lahing PInagbigkis ng Tapang at Lakas (Alab Tala) class of 2018.

“As you dedicate your life in the service of God, country and people, know that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has the government’s full support,” he added.

TOP OF THE CLASS President Rodrigo Duterte hands the presidential saber to Cadet First Class Jaywarden Galiela Hontoria, the valedictorian of the PMA Alab Tala (Alagad ng Lahing Binigkis ng Tapang at Lakas) Class of 2018. PHOTO BY THOM PICAÑA

“Priority projects [of the RAFPMP] are currently in several stages of completion to ensure that our men and women in uniform are provided the benefits and armed with the equipment to perform their duties effectively,” Duterte said.

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Lucky goat

The President also gifted the “class goat” or the cadet on the bottom of the class, a caliber .45 pistol.

Incoming Second Lieutenant Haezzer Keith Atiwag, who is from Barlig, Mt. Province, was cheered loudly when the President handed him his gift.

Atiwag bowed before his classmates and the guests including Duterte, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Donato San Juan, and other high-ranking military and government officials.

Atiwag will join the Philippine Army.

Among the notable class goats of the PMA was former Armed Forces chief and senator Rodolfo Biazon, who graduated in 1961.

This year’s PMA class yielded the most number of women graduates at 75, three of which are in the top 10.

RALPH EDWIN U. VILLANUEVA, DEMPSEY REYES AND THOM PICAÑA