Cagayan de Oro's Fresh Military Stars: Four Badass PMA Grads Ready to Serve!

COURTESY: CIO

Local Pride Explodes in the Council Chamber

Four Kagay-anons who recently graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) stole the spotlight when they stood proudly before the 21st City Council. Everyone cheered as these young heroes received massive recognition. Moreover, the council approved Resolution No. 15765-2026 on May 25, congratulating and commending them for bringing huge honor to the city.  

The honorees—Second Lieutenants Lawrence Cabahit, Pauline Jhun Amper, Mel Evan Caniedo, and Kent Michael Yaba—graduated on May 16, 2026, as part of the PMA 'Talang Dangal' Class. They crushed four tough years of training and now shine bright for their hometown.  

Next Chapter: Army Boots and Navy Waves

These graduates now step into real action. Second Lieutenants Amper, Cabahit, and Caniedo head straight to the Philippine Army, while Yaba joins the Philippine Navy. They represent the best of Cagayan de Oro as they begin serving the nation with courage.  

The City Council started this resolution to celebrate their success and inspire more young Kagay-anons to chase big dreams. What an awesome moment for the city!  

Anchors of the Future: Philippine Navy’s Bold ₱70-B Dream in Misamis Oriental

A Vision Set Sail

**LOOK | Philippine Navy Conducts Site Visit for Proposed ₱70-B Naval Facility in Misamis Oriental** — a headline that speaks not just of a visit, but of a monumental shift in the country’s maritime defense strategy. Under clear skies and with the crisp scent of sea air, Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta led a high-level delegation to the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PHIVIDEC IA), their eyes fixed on the estate’s deep coastal waters and boundless potential.  

The site inspection was not merely a formality; it was the beginning of a story that could redefine the region. With its strategic position in Northern Mindanao, PHIVIDEC offers a rare blend of accessibility, security, and expansion potential. Vice Admiral Ezpeleta highlighted that the planned base would serve as a future hub for repairs and operations of capital ships—an anchor of strength in an ever-changing maritime landscape.  

Building Tomorrow, One Phase at a Time

Commander Amado Sanglay shared that Phase 1, scheduled for 2026, will focus on meticulous design and environmental planning. This is no ordinary construction—it is a ₱70-billion endeavor blending precision engineering with long-term naval readiness. Plans include a cutting-edge shipyard, a powerful shiplift, and an expansive operational zone capable of accommodating 10 to 12 capital ships.  

Completion is projected within 7–8 years, and though the road ahead is long, the vision is crystal clear: the Philippine Navy will stand stronger in the south, guarding the nation’s waters with enhanced reach and capability. PHIVIDEC IA officials have expressed firm support, seeing this as not just a military milestone, but also an economic catalyst for the region.  

This proposed naval facility in Misamis Oriental is more than steel and concrete—it is an investment in national security, regional growth, and the Philippines’ future presence in maritime affairs. As the tides of history roll in, Northern Mindanao may soon rise as a bastion of strength and opportunity.