Vice President’s Message to PMA Graduates
Vice President Sara Duterte delivered a heartfelt appeal to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘SIKLAB LAYA’ 2025 graduates on Saturday. She urged them to become instruments of the truth, rather than tools of betrayal.
“Lagi sana kayong maging instrumento na magsusulong ng kabutihan, ng tama, ng katotohanan, at tunay na pagbabago sa buhay ng mga Pilipinong patuloy na nangangarap, nagsusumikap, at umaasang magtatagumpay,” she said in a video message shared on social media.
Her words emphasize the importance of being an agent of goodness, righteousness, truth, and genuine change for Filipinos who continue to dream, work hard, and hope for success.
Encouraging Integrity and Courage in Service
The vice president also cautioned the graduates against being used for abuse, betrayal, or oppression by those in power. “Huwag sana kayong maging kasangkapan ng pagmamalabis, pagtatraydor, at pagpapahirap ng mga nasa kapangyarihan sa mga kapwa Pilipino na katulad ninyo ay matapang na naninindigan para sa kabutihan, sa tama, sa katotohanan, at sa tagumpay ng mga Pilipino,” she added.
This year’s PMA ‘SIKLAB LAYA’ Class of 2025 held their graduation ceremony at the PMA grounds in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was expected to attend the event.
Recognizing the Graduates’ Patriotism
Duterte acknowledged the graduates’ deep love for the country, which they demonstrated by choosing the challenging path of military service. “You have chosen the life of selfless service that only the brave, the courageous, and the real patriot would choose — demonstrating strength, integrity, and honor before a nation seeking to overcome institutional abuse of power and extreme inequalities impacting mostly the poor,” she said.
She further highlighted the significance of their service: “Sa inyong paglilingkod ay magsisiklab hindi lamang ang mga minimithi natin bilang isang malayang bansa kundi pati na rin ang pagliliyab at paglagablab ng ating lakas upang maging tunay na malaya.” This means their dedication will ignite not only the dreams of a free nation but also the fire and strength necessary for true freedom.
Looking Ahead: Upholding Values and Facing Challenges
The vice president expressed confidence that the graduates would embody the virtues instilled during their military education. “I trust that you will continue to personify the virtues that shaped your military education and enabled you to become commendable cadets with courage, integrity, and loyalty to your noble path of duty,” she said.
She encouraged them to keep their passion alive and to build a promising future despite the uncertainties ahead. “Keep the fervor within you burning and continue building a bright future amid every hurdle and challenge in these times of uncertainty so you may stand as a beacon of hope and strength to our hopeful nation,” Duterte urged.
She also reminded them to maintain the independence, professionalism, and non-partisan nature of their institution. “May you always strive to restore and uphold the values of an independent, non-partisan and professional institution. One, whose sole duty is to defend the constitution,” she added.
To conclude, she warned against succumbing to material greed, political pressure, or foreign influence. “May you never yield to the greed for material gain, political pressure, or foreign influence. May you always stand unbowed. Congratulations, ‘Siklab-Laya’ Class of 2025! Shukran,” Duterte said.
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