TOWN RECOGNITION. Baroy Mayor Rosa Olafsson (left) presents a plaque of recognition to PMA 9th placer 2Lt. Rubenson Prajes Abgao as his father, Rodrigo Abgao, looks on. (J. Umaran/HRS Media)
BAROY, Lanao del Norte – The local government unit here on Monday received 2/Lt. Rubenson Prajes Abgao, a native of barangay Maliwanag, of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Masidlawin Class of 2020, who graduated on the 9th of his class in simple ceremonies held in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City last month.
Municipal Mayor Rosa D. Olafsson awarded Abgao with a plaque of recognition highlighting his achievement as the first Baroy resident who made it to the Top 10 at PMA. Abgao is the third local to graduate from PMA.
“I am happy and really proud of Lt. Abgao’s success at PMA. He has brought pride and honor to the town and people of Baroy,” Olfasson said in Cebuano.
The Sangguniang Bayan (SB), on the other hand, in a resolution during Monday’s regular session, acknowledged Abgao’s success and recognized his achievement as an important milestone for this fourth-class town, stating that Abgao gave a "meaningful contribution to this municipality in the field of military service."
The SB resolution added that the "Sanggunian, with pride and honor, salutes and recognizes the courage and determination of this young and promising officer."
Vice Mayor Oscar Tagalog presided the session and facilitated the recognition in honor of the young military officer, noting that his success was indeed a “pride of Baroy.”
Meanwhile, Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo also received Abgao and another PMA graduate from Kapatagan town, 2/Lt. David Kent Bela-ong, during a courtesy visit at his office in the capital town of Tubod on June 4.
Abgao, who will be joining the Philippine Air Force, is currently on graduation leave before proceeding to pursue his military pilot training.
Of the 196 graduates this year, 100 joined the Philippine Army, 45 opted to join the Philippine Air Force, while 51 chose to serve in the Philippine Navy.
He is the fourth child of local farmers who, like many others, struggled and persevered to provide the best education for their children.
Rodrigo, Abgao’s father, used to sell charcoal and drove habal-habal (motorcycle) to feed his family while his mother, Betty, managed their home while kids went to school to pursue their dreams. He considers his success as the fulfillment of his parents’ perseverance and sacrifice.
Abgao is the third military officer in the family with two older brothers currently in active service in the Philippine Army. His younger brother was recently admitted to PMA and traveled to Baguio City over the weekend.
A female cadet from Isabela topped this year’s batch and four other female cadets made it to the Top 10.
2Lt. Gemalyn Sugui bested 195 graduates of "Masidlawin" Class of 2020 to become the sixth woman in history to top the graduating batch. (H. Clavite)
