A San Enrique, Negros Occidental, resident who graduated at the top of his class at the Philippine Military Academy was given a hero’s welcome on his return to his hometown Thursday, May 20.
Ensign Janrey Cabanero Artus, 25, graduated summa cum laude and valedictorian of the PMA Mandirigmang Samahan ng Lakas na Sandigan ng Bayan (Masaligan) Class of 2021 in May.
Crowds gathered to cheer as Artus’ motorcade drove through the streets of San Enrique followed by a program at the town hall.
Mayor Jilson Tubillara said they gave Artus of Barangay Guintorilan, San Enrique, a cash incentive for his feat.
“We are very proud of him, he brought honor to San Enrique and Negros Occidental,” Tubillara said.
He is the son of retired Technical Sgt. Florencio Artus who spent 10 of his 20 years as a soldier in Marawi City, and Jocelyn Artus, a retired Guintorilan Elementary School mathematics and music teacher.
He was two months away from graduating as a chemical engineer at the University of the Philippines-Visayas Miag-ao Campus in Iloilo when he decided to join the PMA.
Artus said he was drawn to the PMA because his father and brother are military men.
Luckily he graduated at the top of his class with God’s help, Artus said.
He does his best in everything he does, Artus said, pointing out that at the PMA they are taught to exercise excellence as their way of life, live by the honor code and to always have faith in God.
Artus said he chose to join the Philippine Navy and is ready to be assigned even in the highly contentious West Philippine Sea.
The West Philippine Sea is a part of the South China Sea that belongs to the Philippines but China is claiming it as its own
Artus said he is ready and happy to serve his country and fellow Filipinos wherever he is assigned.*