BAGUIO CITY – A cadet from Iloilo province topped the graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) for 2018.

Cadet 1CL Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria from Barangay Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo is this year’s valedictorian.

Hontoria, a brigade company commander, is the third class baron of the academy who will finish as a valedictorian.

PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Donato San Juan said it has been 67 years after the academy had its Class Baron as top graduate.

“You’ll be burdened with so much responsibility, that is why it’s not that easy to become a top graduate and a Class Baron at the same time,” he said.

Three female cadets are included in this year's Top 10.

The TOP 10 graduates of Alab-Tala (Alagad ng Lahing Binigkis ng Tapang at Lakas) Class 2018 of the country’s premier military school are:

Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria from Balabag, Iloilo, valedictorian
Ricardo Liwaden from Gawana, Barlig, Mt. Province, salutatorian
Jun-Jay Malazzab Castro from Amulung, Cagayan
Leonore Andrea Carino Japitan from Butuan City
Mark Jantzen Dacillo from Zamboanga City
Jezaira Buenaventura from Negros Occidental
Jessie Antonio Laramang from Tarlac
Paolo Balla Briones from Camp Allen, Baguio City
Jayson Raymundo Cimatu from Casiguran, Aurora
Micah Quiambai Reynaldo from Bamban, Tarlac

The PMA also gave the Journalism Award to Cadet 1CL Michael Olarte Pena from Legazpi City, Albay. Jasm Moreno Alcoriz received the Athletic Saber for Female.

The ALAB-TALA Class 2018 graduates are set to march this Sunday in Fort del Pilar in Baguio City.