In the Philippines, two exceptional individuals from the Cordillera region have distinguished themselves as topnotchers at the renowned Philippine Military Academy (PMA) - ALAB TALA Class of 2018. They are all set to graduate with honors, and their achievements are nothing short of remarkable.
ALAB TALA, which stands for Alagad ng Lahing Binigkis ng Tapang at Lakas, translates to "Servants of a Race Bonded by Courage and Strength." This acronym embodies the spirit of the academy and its cadets.
Meet the Standout Graduates
Out of the 282 cadets who will be graduating, two Cordillerans have risen to the top. Cadet 1CL Ricardo Witawit Liwaden hails from Barlig, Mountain Province, while Cadet 1CL Paolo Balla Briones comes from Camp Allen in Baguio City. Their achievements are worth celebrating.
Cadet 1CL Ricardo Witawit Liwaden: Second in Class, a Topnotcher
Cadet Liwaden stands as the second-highest achiever in his class, earning him the title of topnotcher. His impressive list of awards includes the Vice Presidential Saber, the Philippine Army Saber for sports and physical development, the Tactics Group Award, and the Athletic Saber. Liwaden's journey is marked by humble beginnings, with a farmer father and a retired teacher mother. His father's influence played a crucial role in guiding him toward a military career. Liwaden made the decision to serve in the Army during his fourth year as a civil engineering student at the University of Baguio.
"My father is my role model. He guided me in choosing my college course and my military branch. Since my plebe year, I decided to volunteer for the Army, and that's where I'll serve," said Liwaden.
Cadet 1CL Paolo Balla Briones: Among the Top Eight, Another Topnotcher
Cadet Briones, another Cordilleran, ranks among the top eight graduates, earning him the title of topnotcher as well. Much like his counterpart, his journey to this achievement is inspiring. He draws inspiration from his father's dedication to the military, despite not completing PMA due to illness. Briones's mother is a homemaker, and he embarked on his journey after completing his first year in civil engineering at Saint Louis University.
The Upcoming Graduation
The graduation ceremony, graced by President Duterte, is a moment of immense pride and anticipation. The topnotcher for this year's PMA graduation is Cadet 1CL Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria from Iloilo. Hontoria is set to receive various prestigious awards, including the Presidential Saber, Chief of Staff Saber, Philippine Navy Saber, Academic Group Award, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, and the Spanish Armed Forces Award, among others.
Out of the 282 cadets, 207 are male, and 75 are female. This diverse group represents the future leaders of the Philippine military.
After graduation, all PMA cadets are guaranteed a military career as officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
These young Cordillerans have demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment to their dreams and their country, and they proudly represent topnotchers for us all to admire.
