Duterte graces simultaneous PMA, PNPA graduation rites via Zoom

May 24, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte led on Friday the simultaneous graduation rites of the Philippine Military Academy ( PMA) and Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) via Zoom amid the coronavirus disease pandemic.

This was the first time that the president of the Philippines attended the commencement exercises of the two institutions, which are the training grounds for upcoming officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police through technology.

"The period we live in is not a vineyard of comfort. These are troubled times, dangerous [and] abnormal times caused by a fast-spreading and highly contagious virulent virus [or virus] the COVID-19- that cuts across the whole of humankind," he said in a speech in Malacañang.

"Let not COVID-19 dampen the joy and pride that must be yours after going through grueling years of study and rigorous training within the classroom walls and the perimeters of the parade grounds of your alma mater," he added.

Duterte also congratulated the parents of the graduates.

He told the graduates to "remain true" to the Constitution and remain loyal to the Filipino flag.

Duterte also announced that house and lot, sponsored by the company of businessman Manuel Villar, would be given to both female valedictorians of PMA and PNPA.

Cadet Gemalyn Sugui was the topnotcher among 195 graduates of PMA Masidlawin Class of 2020.

Cadet Lei Anne Bancio Palermo, on the other hand, topped the 277 graduates of PNPA Mandayug Class of 2020. Celerina Monte/DMS