Ex-UP Visayas Student Is PMA Class Valedictorian

Despite the challenges in academics and the life of a graduating military cadet, Janrey Artus made sure he remains focused on doing his best to meet the expectations of his family, his kababayan in San Enrique town of Negros Occidental, and the Filipino people who sponsored his four-year stay at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

- Martin A. Sadongdong

And he did it as he got the highest Latin honors, summa cum laude, and was ranked valedictorian of PMA Masaligan Class of 2021.

In the Kapihan sa PMA forum held in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City on Monday, May 3, Artus said the past school year inside the Academy was extra challenging due to restrictions brought by the coronavirus pandemic.

Since last year when the government first recorded local transmission which resulted in the lockdown on March 15, adjustments were made to minimize face-to-face classes as virtual sessions were implemented for the first time inside the Academy, Col. Jose Demar Pauly, head of the PMA academic group, said.

Even the PMA was not spared as several cadets fell ill due to COVID19, forcing the institution to close its walls to visitors. The graduation ceremony on May 10 will likely be closed even to families of graduating cadets, like last year.

Artus said the predicament he experienced inside the Academy made him realize the importance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the country's COVID-19 battle.

“The AFP is the protector of the people, our country and our Constitution. They are combating terrorism in all forms. But aside from that, the AFP can also conduct humanitarian assistance especially in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” Artus said.