SENATOR Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III on Monday praised Cadet First Class Krystlenn Ivany Quemado for graduating as valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy Bagsik Diwa class.

In his message, Pimentel said Quemado’s achievement is an inspiration to Mindanaoans, especially the youth.

“May you continue to influence and encourage them to fulfill their dreams and be of service to our country. We are proud of you! And we wish you all the best in your military service,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go reminded PMA graduates to stay committed in serving the country and protecting their fellow Filipinos.

PMA Bagsik Diwan Class has 214 cadets, 49 of them women. Of this number, 104 will join the Philippine Army, 57 will go to the Philippine Navy, and 53 to the Philippine Air Force.

Go urged the graduates to secure the welfare and well-being of Filipinos.

The senator also commended the educators and their loved ones who supported the graduates’ journey, saying, “Hindi lang po ang mga cadet ang nagtapos dito. Congratulations din po sa ating mga magulang at guro sa hanay ng PMA. Kung hindi po dahil sa inyo ay hindi po nila ito makakayanan mag-isa.”

“Sa 214 na nakapagtapos ng kanilang pag-aaral, maraming salamat po sa inyong hangarin na makapaglingkod at ipaglaban ang ating bayan. Asahan ninyo po na kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay aalalay sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya,” he said.