From Farm to Forefront: PMA 2024 Class Valedictorian inspired by farmer father

Behind every dreamer’s feat, there is a person who planted a seed of inspiration.

This is true for Cadet 1CL Jeneth Elumba who was named the Top 1 of the 278 graduating cadets of the PMA Bagong Sinag Class of 2024.

Elumba, who hails from Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte, is set to finish her four-year journey at the premier military academy in the Philippines as Magna Cum Laude. She will also receive notable awards like the Presidential Saber, Philippine Army Saber, Jusmag Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall, Performance Award (army), Tactics Group Award, and Army Professional Plaque.

Speaking before the media on May 10, the 24-year-old relayed that her farmer dad was the one who inspired and encouraged her to enter the Philippine Military Academy.

“My source of military inspiration came from my father since he is a graduate of criminology but he was not able to pursue his career as a uniformed personnel,” she shared.

During her four-year stay in the academy, Elumba has faced her fair share of challenges and one is being subjected to surgery due to appendicitis during her third-year cadetship. At that time, she recalled not being able to do strenuous activities for several months.

“I thought it was already the end of my cadetship but I persisted in prayer,” she recalled.

Elumba was able to beat that medical struggle with the help and support of her friends and family.

When asked about her message to her parents, whom she thought were not yet aware of her success during the interview, the valedictorian said, “I hope they are happy. This is for them, this is all for them and for God.”

After graduating from PMA, Elumba will be joining the Philippine Army.