Many firsts for 2009 top PMA grad

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - Air Force Ensign Karl Winston L. Cacanindin on Monday went down to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) history books for many reasons. For one, the Aurora native was the first valedictorian who was awarded both the Presidential Achievement Award for Academic Excellence Award and the Athletic Saber. Also, Cacanindin was the first valedictorian who addressed both spectators and graduates in pure Filipino, taking off from the battle-cry of the late President Manuel L. Quezon, who was also from Aurora. Cacanindin was also the only cadet who graduated magna cum laude this year. He also received the Philippine Air Force Saber, and a plaque each for Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Cacanindin was on his third year as a Geodetic Engineering student in University of the Philippines-Diliman before he took the PMA entrance examinations. He said it was his father's dream to see him as a soldier. "Napakalaking karangalan ang maging kadete. Hindi ko inaasahang magiging top graduate ako [It is a great honor to be a cadet. I did not expect to be a top graduate]." Cancanindin said. Cacanindin said he would take a short vacation in Dipaculao, Aurora before entering the Villamor Air Base for the training at the flying school. Among those who witnessed Monday's graduation rites held at Fort Del Pilar in this city were Aurora Governor Bella Flor Angara-Castillo, Dipaculao Mayor Reynante Tolentino, Baler Mayor Arthur Angara, Ma. Aurora Mayor Ariel Bitong and Dilasag Mayor Victorio Briones. Angara-Castillo said she is proud Cacanindin delivered his speech in Filipino. "All valedictorians should speak their language," she said. - GMANews.TV