The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) honored 10 generals and flag officers in a testimonial parade and review at Borromeo Field, Fort del Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday, May 30.
The honorees received the Outstanding PMA Alumnus Award, or Ulirang Alumnus ng Akademiya, in recognition of their distinguished service, leadership, and contributions in their respective commands.
Among those honored were Philippine Fleet commander Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) internal auditor Maj. Gen. Lloyd Cabacuñgan, 3rd Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, Army Support Command chief Maj. Gen. Florante Sison, and Coast Guard Relations Service commander Rear Adm. Teotimo Borja Jr.
Also recognized were Brig. Gen. Romeo Jerome Dirilo Jr., commander of Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao; Commodore Salvador Henry Quinto, chief of the Philippine Navy Modernization and Contract Monitoring Center; Commodore Dwight Steven Dulnuan, deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao Command; Commodore Lemuel Espartinez, the Naval Internal Auditor; and Brig. Gen. Angelito Retuta, commander of Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon.
The academy said the recognition reflected the officers’ years of service and the leadership milestones that brought honor to the PMA.
Speaking on behalf of the honorees, Orbe said the values instilled by the academy continue to guide graduates throughout their military careers, from command decisions to moments of crisis.
“In the military, especially in today’s world, technical skills are important. Strategy is important. Operational art and science are important. But ultimately, institutions survive because of character. And character is built here,” he said.
Orbe also reminded cadets to protect the academy’s honor and carry its values beyond their uniforms.
“Lead with competence, but also with compassion. Be brave enough to stand for what is right, even when it is difficult. And never forget that leadership is ultimately about serving others before self,” he said.
The testimonial parade and review is among PMA’s long-standing traditions for generals and flag officers, honoring their service while allowing them to pass on lessons in leadership, sacrifice, and patriotism to the Corps of Cadets.