MANILA, Philippines – The class valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA)’s Madasigon (Mandirigmang may Dangal Simbolo ng Galing at Pagbangon) Class of 2023, Cadet First Class Warren Leonor shared how he was inspired by his father, a retired technical sergeant at the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Cadet First Class Warren Leonor is PMA's Madasigon Class of 2023 valedictorian
Cadet First Class Warren Leonor is PMA’s Madasigon Class of 2023 valedictorian | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Aron Leonor

The 22-year-old Leonor shared how he hoped to follow the footsteps of his father, retired T/Sgt. Joel Leonor in serving the country. Thus, he signified to be part of PAF when he entered the prestigious military academy back in 2019. He also said he wanted to give back to his parents who worked hard in sending him and his 2 other siblings to finish their education.

He said, “Kagaya po ng palagi kong sinasabi, there are two reasons why I entered the Academy. First reason is gusto ko po matulungan ‘yung family ko, especially my parents po kasi sabay-sabay po kami ng sisters ko na pumasok ng college and I want to lessen the loads of my parents.”

Another reason why Leonor wanted to be part of the PAF is to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. “It’s really my childhood dream to be a pilot, that’s why I entered the Academy,” he added.

According to Leonor, he didn’t expect to be the topnotcher of his class. However, when he realized that he had the chance, he worked hard to achieve it.

“Honestly, when I entered the Academy the only thing that I wanted or I wished was just to graduate, to survive my life here in the Academy. However, when I knew that I’m part of the top performing cadets during our second year in the Academy, that’s the time that I aimed [to be] part of the Top 10,” he shared.

Leonor ranked first among the 310 cadets who graduated May 21, at the Borromeo Field in Baguio City. They were all welcomed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, as the country’s Commander-in-Chief. President Marcos awarded Leonor with the Presidential Saber.

Leonor was also awarded with Philippine Air Force Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, National Security Studies Plaque, the Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, Special Sciences Plaque, Tactics Group Award, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, SPDU Plaque, Gen. Antonio Luna Award, JUSMAG Saber, and Spanish Armed Forces Award.

Meanwhile, the class salutatorian Cadet First Class Edmundo Logronio received the Vice Presidential Saber. The Top 3 was Cadet First Class Nicole Sarmiento while Top 4 was Cadet First Class Zhen Zhen Cayton. In the Top 5 is Cadet First Class Rez Mark Cantor.

— Sally, The Summit Express