Lingayen – Three top graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Gabay-Laya Class of 2016 who hail from Pangasinan led by 2Lt. Christine Mae Calima of Arnedo, Bolinao paid a courtesy call on Governor Amado T. Espino (GATE), Jr. on March 17, Thursday, at the Urduja House, here.
Calima, ranked second among the 63-member PMA Gabay Laya class; 2Lt. George Bernard Garcia (top 9) of Bongalon, Labrador; and 2Lt. Albert Junio (top 12) from Lumayao, San Quintin were accompanied by Col. Carlo Resurrecion, Col. Ryan Celina, Major Ryan Igama; Col. (Ret.) Rhodyn Lochinvar Oro, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief; and Mr. Edward Calima, father of Christine, during the caller’s day.
Proud of the latest feats of Pangasinenses in the PMA, the provincial chief executive expressed confidence that they will soon become successful in instilling positive changes on their chosen branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Twenty-two year old Calima, who was Bolinao School of Fisheries (BSF) high school valedictorian in 2010, spent two years at Saint Louis University in Baguio City, where she was a consistent dean’s lister taking up accountancy prior to pursuing her military career at the PMA.
Asked on what she feels for being the sole female in top 10 of her batch, Calima said that Pangasinense women must always be inspired to chase for their dreams. “Kung nakaya ko nga, kaya rin ng ibang mga babae. Kailangan natin (ng mga babae) na magtulungan para ma-uplift ang moral para sa ating mga sarili,” she added.
Calima likewise thanked the provincial government for the all-support it extended the PMA cadets during their community immersion held last year in Pangasinan and said that Gov. Espino is a figure that everyone must look up to.
Gov. Espino, an adorned member of PMA Class 1972 received the rare second Cavalier Award given by the PMA Alumni Association, Inc., last February in recognition of his “sterling leadership and professional competence in public administration” being the provincial chief executive of Pangasinan from 2007 to 2016.
In 1977, Espino – who was then the Captain of the Philippine Constabulary –received his first cavalier award as Military Professional in Police Operations, particularly for the capture of elusive CPP-NPA leaders like Bernabe Buscayno aka “Kumander Dante,” Satur Ocampo, Father Ed Dela Torre and other top officials of the leftist and rebel groups.
Gabay Laya or “Gintong Anak ng Bayan, Alay sa Buhay Para sa Kalayaan” (Golden children of the nation, who offer their lives for freedom) is the smallest PMA class to graduate in 40 years, which include seven female cadets.
The PMA was topped by Kristian Daeve Abiqui (San Pablo, Isabela), a turnback from Sinag Lahi Class of 2015, followed by: Calima (salutatorian); Cdt. 1CL Arby Jurist Cabrera (Cauayan, Isabela), top 3 and Secretary of National Defence Saber awardee; Joseph Stalin Fagsao, top 4; Jayson Jess Tumitit (Baguio City), top 5; Mark Joseph Daria (Bangar, La Union), top ); Ace Clarianes, top 7; Prince Aday, top 8; Cdt. 1CL George Bernard Garcia (Labrador, Pangasinan), top 9; and Gerald Gasacao (Meycauayan City, Bulacan), top 10.
Of the 63 PMA graduates, 33 of them will be joining the Philippine Army, 13 to the Philippine Air Force, and 17 will be enlisted in the Philippine Navy.
The PMA cadets graduated last Sunday, March 13.