PMA sets virtual graduation rites without relatives

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduating class of 2020 will receive their diplomas without their parents and other loved ones on May 22.

Not even the commander-in-chief President Duterte is sure to attend the commencement rights at the PMA in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City to award the outstanding graduates and declare them second lieutenants or ensigns of the Navy.

There is nothing final yet on who will be the guest of honor and speaker, said PMA spokesperson Capt. Cherryl Tindog.  

Normally, the President as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces awards the Presidential Saber to the class topnotcher, the Vice President awards the Vice President’s Saber to the number 2 graduating cadet while commanders of the major service commands – Army, Air Force and Navy – award the Major Service Sabers to graduates topping the Army, Air Force and Navy courses.  

Tindog said that not even the Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs are sure to attend the graduation rites of the members of MASIDLAWIN (Mandirigmang Isinilang ng may Dangal at Lakas Upang Maging Tanglaw ng Inang Bayan) class of 2020.

The graduation rites will be live streamed via the PMA’s official facebook page.

Journalists are also not allowed to cover the yearly event, the PMA advised.  

Even the presentation of the top 10 graduates and awardees on May 20 will be virtual as members of the media were asked to send their initial questions to the topnotchers and other awardees via SMS/ Viber and they will be answered by the topnotchers and other awardees on camera. 

Tindog reiterated that PMA, which shut its doors to tourists and the public on March 16, remains closed and follows strict measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus within the academy and the community.