Two Tabuk lasses finished at the top of graduating class of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy.
During the PMMA class of 2021 Sinaglakan graduation rite last July 28 in San Narciso, Zambales, incoming Midshipwoman (Midn) First Class (1CL) Jovy Sallosar Bernardo, who graduated suma cum laude said to โnever stop trying in ursuing excellence.โ
The Turod, Bulo resident received the Commander-In-Chief Saber from President Rodrigo R. Duterte, and the Flag Officer โ In โCommand (FOIC) Saber from Vice Admiral Ardeluis Bordado for achieving the highest GWA.
The 4th child among the five children of Mrs. Lucia Sallosar Bernardo of Sumadel, Tinglayan and Mr. Mario Tapang Bernardo of Solana Cagayan finished her elementary education at Bulo East Elementary School and went to St. Teresita’s School Tabuk in high school.
She graduated Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at the Kalinga State University in 2016.
The top student believed teaching was her calling but after a friend invited her to take a walk-in exam for PMMA her aspiration changed.
She passed the exam and life was never the same for her. Bernardo said that in earning the honor entailed โa lot of tough work, perseverance and sacrifices but I was bent to pursue another dream and so I strive harder.”
She further encouraged young aspiring Tabukeรฑos “to look into the future and never to the hardships during the process of striving towards your dreams. It will all be worth it.”
She also expressed her gratitude to her parents for supporting her throughout the journey.
In an interview with the City Information Office, Bernardo took note of โhow rough it was financially in order to get in and continue pursuing her kind of “excellence.โ
But despite this, her parents were willing to go through thick and thin to be the bulwark of strength she needed. “Some people on the way may have frustrated me but I have my parents inspiring me and rooting for me and it was all that mattered.”
Another Bulo resident, Midn Agot Isic Sangoy took second honors for Marine Engineering. Other Ykalingas in the top ten included Ens. Stevenson Lingbawan at fifth place and Ens. Erkin Kinao at 10th place.
City Mayor Darwin Estraรฑero extended his congratulations to the 36 Ykalinga graduates among the 162 members of Sinaglakan Class of 2021.
He also commended all of the awardees when he said:”May your achievements serve as an encouragement to young Tabukeรฑos to pursue their dreams no matter how difficult the process will be. You made the City proud,โฆ”
