PMA honors ‘Class Goat’ for exemplifying grit and perseverance in completing the race

It is not about being at the bottom of the ranking, it is about finishing the race and achieving dreams with perseverance.

This is what Cadet First Class Yaakovic Las-ang proved as he graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City on May 18, 2024.

The cadet who hails from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, was honored as the ‘Class Goat’ of the PMA Bagong Sinag Class of 2024 after graduating last in the class ranking.

The Class Goat award does not degrade the awardee, but rather honors him for his endurance and spirit and for finishing the four years at the academy with determination and hard work.

As he received his diploma from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who personally graced the commencement ceremony, cheers and applause erupted at the Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar for Las-ang.

Las-ang and the other 277 new PMA graduates, meantime, have been told by Marcos to be ready as they are now inductees in the national effort to uphold peace, territorial integrity, and protect the nation and its people against evolving threats.