City of San Fernando— Governor Lilia Nanay G. Pineda conferred honors and recognition to two Kapampangan women graduates of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Salaknib Class of 2017 on Monday in a simple rites during the flag raising ceremonies.
The governor gave honors to 2Lt. Cathleen Jovi S. Baybayan, native of Barangay Dolores, this city and 2Lt. Maria Simeona Shieka Balsamo from Barangay Concepcion in Lubao town. The two successfully withstand the four year of being a struggling cadet in Baguio City and graduated with flying colors.
Baybayan landed top 4 among the graduating class. She is the 1st Female Deputy Brigade Commander in the history of the PMA.
She also received the Australian Defense Best Over-all Performance Award and The Natural Sciences Plaque.
The provincial board approved a Resolution signed by Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, Vice Governor Pineda, and the Board Members to extend their congratulatory message to the two graduates and recognition for their physical training and academic achievements.
Baybayan was formerly taking up food technology at University of the Philippines (UP) in Los Banos when she passed the PMA examination and got a chance to enter the PMA on April 1, 2013.
She was inspired by her grandfather 2Lt. Adriano Baybayan, her uncles – Col. Arthur Baybayan of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Col. Albert Baybayan of the Philippine Army (PA) and her four cousins who are all officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
In their message during the ceremony, the two graduates lauded Governor Pineda, Vice Governor Pineda, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the recognition.
2lt Balsamo was a personnel officer of the Cadet Corps during her stay in the academy. Before entering the PMA, she has already finished her accountancy degree at the University of the Assumption.
After which, Balsamo pursued her true love, hence she joined the PMA.
In their respective messages, they encouraged every young Kapampangan to join the PMA and be a soldier to defend the Filipinos and the country as a whole.
By: Aida B. Bungue
