Lady cadet tops graduating PMA class

By Ronron
March 14, 2007

A 23-year-old native of Cavite tops this year’s graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Cadet Andrelee Mojica of Indang town will graduate as valedictorian of the 282-strong Marangal na Tagapagligtas class of 2007, said PMA Public Information Officer Capt. Dennis Solomon.

The PMA will hold the graduation ceremonies for Class 2007 on March 19 at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City, to be attended by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“Mojica is the third female to graduate at the top of her class ever since female cadets broke tradition by joining the then-all male Cadet Corps in 1994 by virtue of Republic Act 7192, the Equal Opportunity Act,” Solomon said.

She is among the 23 female cadets who will graduate this year, and the 148 female cadets that have graduated over the past 10 years since 1997.

“By graduating at the top of her class, Mojica will be receiving the Presidential Saber from (Arroyo) … and the PGMA Achievement Award for Excellence,” Solomon said.

She will also receive the Philippine Navy sword for being the number one graduating cadet joining the Philippine Navy; and the JUSMAG (Joint US Military Assistance Group) Award, which is given to the top graduates joining the three major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

According to Solomon, the first female cadet to graduate Valedictorian was Ensign Arlene dela Cruz, Philippine Navy (Class of 1999), of Camiling, Tarlac; and the second one is 2Lt. Tara Velasco, Philippine Army (Class of 2003), of Marikina City./DMS