BAGUIO CITY—Drawing inspiration from his father who displayed dedication in serving the country while being responsible for his family, Cadet 1st Class Warren Leonor enter the Philippine Military Academy and graduated No. 1 of Class of 2023.

Warren is the son of retired Philippine Air Force technical sergeant Joel Leonor and housewife Angelina Leonor. They are proud residents of Malabalay, Lipa City, Batangas.

The 22-year-old Warren has two sisters. One of them is a civil engineering graduate and the other is currently pursuing a career at the PAF Officer Candidate School.

“We are not wealthy, but my parents’ constant dedication brought us where we are now, “ he proudly said.

Before entering the academy, Warren is a Senior High School Graduate who thought it would be difficult for his parents to send him and his siblings to college since engineering is an expensive course.

This motivated Warren to enlist in the PMA’s roster of new cadets. He knew this will lessen the burden of their parents in sending them to school.

He was right. It not only made his parents unburdened by their education requirements but also made them the proudest parents as he graduated with full honors.

Warren hauled awards including the Presidential Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, Academic Group Award, Social Sciences Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, General Antonio Luna Award, Spanish Armed Forces Award, Philippine Air Force Saber, National Security Studies Plaque, Management Plaque, Tactics Group Award, SPDU Plaque, and Jusmag Saber. He also finished cum laude in their “Mandirigmang May Dangal Simbolo ng Galing at Pagbangon” or “MADASIGON” Class.

Warren said it is also his childhood dream to serve in the military. When he was younger, he used to talk about his dream and that is to be a pilot. He said he was always fascinated with airplanes every time they fly over their house.

His dream of becoming a pilot also grew when his father brought him to the airbase he was working. There, Warren saw different kinds of aircraft.

What drew Warren more to enter the academy is his father’s dedication to serving the country. He added that he was inspired by his father’s ability to balance his profession and his family life.

He admitted that when he entered PMA, his wish is only to survive the life of a PMA cadet and graduate. His enthusiasm for belonging to the top was boosted after he came to know during his second-year stay that he was one of the top-performing cadets.

Warren also preoccupied himself with different sports and discipline. He gained a black belt in Taekwondo and played impressive basketball and badminton. He also showed interest in dancing and other activities that helped him a lot in his survival in the academy.

He advised the undergraduates to always remember why they are in such a situation.

“Always remember the motivations and inspirations that brought you here to the academy, May you never forget the essence of military professionalism despite the hardships and challenges you faced in the academy,” he said.

Warren said the PMA is a perfect environment for the youth who want to develop their military leadership potential.