Bicolano is top PMAer; NL grads top 10 placers

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City – A 22-year old son of a farmer and a housewife from Daraga, Albay worked hard to become the top graduating cadet of the 223-strong members of the  Sundalong Ikakarangal ng Lahing Bayani sa Diwang Wagas (Siklab Diwa) Class of 2014 of the Philippine Military Academy.

Cadet first-class Gheorge Millena Llona, 22, received from President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III the coveted Presidential Saber during the Academy’s graduation rites March 16 at Borromeo grounds here.

Aside from the Presidential Saber, Llona was given the Philippine Air force Saber, Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, JUSMAG Award, Gen. Antonio Luna Award and Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award.

“Poverty is not a hindrance in the realization and achievement of one’s dream provided that one has the guts to survive the challenges that will confront you in your bid to climb the ladder of success,” Llona said.

He grew up in the remote village of Maopi, Daraga, Albay and he was already exposed to the difficulties of life as a young boy considering that farming is the major source of livelihood in their place and his father was a farmer while his mother was only a housewife.

Llona narrated that during his elementary days, he had to walk for at least three kilometers to attend school and walk the same length to go back home.

However, he was able to graduate from elementary with flying colors and move up to the secondary level with still the same fate in life.

“I had to walk for several kilometers just to attend high school and to save a small amount for my school expenses,” he added.

Knowing that his parents cannot bankroll his college studies, Llona, together with his elder brother, worked out the grant of a full scholarship for his Bachelor of Science in Accounting course in a local university where he was able to perform well and maintain high grades.

The twist in his college education came when he was taken in as one of the officers of the Reserve Officers Trainings Corps (ROTC) where he spent most of his time that resulted to his failure to make his assignments, concentrate in his classes which resulted to his failing grades in his major subjects.

“My parents were disappointed when they learned about what happened to my studies so I had to think on how to recover and please them,” Llona said.

With the help of his elder brother, he was able to apply to take the PMA entrance examination which he subsequently passed until he hurdled stringent requirements as plebe, a yearling and a full pledged cadet.

“I did not expect to be the top graduate but what I knew was that I had to work extra hard in order to complete a higher degree of education to help uplift the living condition of my family,” Llona said.

Maj. Gen. Oscar Lopez, PMA superintendent, said out of the 223 graduating cadets, 204 were males and 19 females.

He said 118 cadets composed of 109 males and 9 females will be joining the Philippine Army; 57 cadets composed of 51 males and 6 females will be joining the Philippine Navy and 48 cadets composed of 44 males and 4 females will be joining the Philippine Air Force.

Cadet first-class Liza Jumawid Dango, a native of Buloa, Cagayan de Oro City, the only female in the top 10 honor roll, is the class salutatorian and will be receiving the Vice Presidential Saber, Philippine Army Saber, Humanities Plaque and Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. She will be joining the Philippine Army.

Landing in third place was cadet first-class Billy Casibi Codiam of Lubo, Pangol, Tanudan, Kalinga, who received the Secretary of National Defense Saber, Social Sciences Plaque and Spanish Armed Forces Saber while cadet first-class Leo Mac Callueng Tuliao of Penablanca, Cagayan landed in fourth place.

Cadet first class Noel de Venecia Raguindin of Dagupan City, Pangasinan, who received the Philippine Navy Saber and Tactic Groups Award placed fifth while cadet first-class Carlito Christopher Pajarillo Agustin of Tuguegarao City was in sixth place.

In seventh place was cadet first-class Frank J. Anzale of Babatngon, Leyte, who will also be receiving the Natural Sciences Plaque while occupying eight place was cadet first-class King Kristian Dennis Marca Argoso of Gumaca, Quezon.

Cadet first-class Greg Philip Lesmoras Monsalud of Cagayan de Oro City was in ninth place and will also be receiving the Navy Professional Courses Plaque and cadet first-class Alvin Kantala Balangcod of Kapangan, Benguet placed tenth and will be receiving the Army Professional Courses Plaque.

Lopez said it was a busy week for the graduating cadets because of the numerous activities that had been lined up by the Academy until the graduation day.