By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – “I will do my best para sa inyo.”
These were the words that 25-year-old Janrey Artus said to his parents when he decided to enter the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 2017.
And indeed, he did not fail his parents as he topped PMA Masaligan Class of 2021 as valedictorian.
Incidentally, Masaligan means trustworthy in Hiligaynon, which is the primary language of Negros Occidental.
The country’s premier military academy will hold its graduation on May 10, 2021 in Baguio City.
“Nalipay gid kami, we’re very proud of him, Artus’ parents Florencio and Jocelyn said.
Janrey hails from Purok Malipayon, Barangay Guintorilan, San Enrique, Negros Occidental. He is the son of a retired soldier and a retired teacher.
Artus’ 62-year-old father Florencio said in a phone interview that Janrey called them last Sunday informing them to watch the live streaming of the PMA activity via Facebook on Monday.
“Nag puwesto man kami sa may kapehan dampi kay may lantawon kami kuno na announcement,” Florencio said, adding that Janrey did not mention anything about his achievement.
“Wala gid kami nag expect, indi kami ka pati, daw sa ano bala na siya na top 1,” Florencio said.
Florencio said that it did not cross his son’s mind at first to enter the military service.
However, his eldest son who first graduated from PMA in 2017, urged Janrey to try taking the entrance examination, where he also was one of the topnotchers.
Afterwards, Janrey received a call from the PMA informing him to undergo physical examination in Laguna.
When he came back, Janrey told him that he wanted to pursue the military service.
“Wala ako mahimo, kay amu na gusto niya, ga support lang kami ni nanay niya kay siya man gahimo sang kapalaran niya,” his father said.
Janrey is the third among their four children. His elder sibling passed the Philippine National Police (PNP) exam but chose to work in the corporate world, while his youngest sister is a pharmacist.
Growing up, Artus’ father described his son as studious and humble.
“Ka pala tuon gid na sa iya kag kabuot” he said.
For Janrey, his parents served as his inspiration.
With their son’s achievement, Florencio and Jocelyn are thankful that he was able to surpass all the challenges and trials in the military service for four years.
They have yet to talk to their son after the announcement yesterday. They also have yet to see him because he has not returned home since the pandemic started.
UP VISAYAS GRADUATE
Artus will join the Philippine Navy after graduation, according to the PMA’s official Facebook page.
Artus earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of the Philippines Visayas. He graduated with honors when he finished his High School and a University Scholar during his college.
He is a member of the Honor Committee, Peer Counselling Group and Social Responsibility Committee.
He became the Brigade Communications Electronics and Information Systems Officer and the Vice Chairperson for Investigation of the Honor Committee. Currently, he is the 3rd Battalion Academic Officer. He is a consistent Dean’s Lister and Commandant’s Lister.
He contributed in the development of the online CCAFP Disposition Form and in the revision of the Honor Code and System Handbook and Pamphlet.
Astus is also the recipient of the following awards during their graduation:
-PRESIDENTIAL SABER
For being number one in Military Precedence List.
-PHILIPPINE NAVY SABER
For being number one graduating cadet joining the Philippine Navy.
-AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE AWARD
For being the best overall performing graduate of Philippine Navy.
-SPANISH ARMED FORCES AWARD
For having the best overall rating in all Socio-Humanistic subjects offered by the Academic Group.
-GENERAL ANTONIO LUNA AWARD
For being number in all Military Sciences Courses.
-ACADEMIC GROUP AWARD
For being number in all Academic Courses offered by Academic Group.
-JUSMAG AWARD
For being the top graduate of the class.
-HUMANITIES PLAQUE
For being number one in courses offered by Department of Humanities.
-DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP PLAQUE
For being number one overall in Leadership Courses.
-MATHEMATICS PLAQUE
For being number one in courses offered by Department of Mathematics.
-COMPUTING & INFORMATION SCIENCES PLAQUE
For being number one in courses offered by Department of Computing and Information Sciences.
-MANAGEMENT PLAQUE
For being number one in courses offered by Department of Management.
-NATURAL SCIENCES PLAQUE
For being the number one in courses offered by Department of Natural Sciences.
-SOCIAL SCIENCES PLAQUE
For being number one in courses offered by Department of Social Sciences.
-NAVY PROFESSIONAL PLAQUE
For being number one in Navy Service Core Courses.
