Two Philippine Military Academy cadets from the “Bagong Sinag” Class of 2024 completed their training in South Korea with top distinctions, underscoring the expanding footprint of Filipino military scholars abroad.

Cadet First Class Guidson T. Domingo, 24, of Kabacan, North Cotabato, graduated from the Republic of Korea Military Academy, while Cadet First Class Lemuel H. Ego-Ogan, 25, of Poblacion Compostela, Davao de Oro, completed his cadetship at the Republic of Korea Naval Academy on 27 February 2026.

Both were deployed to South Korea under the Academy’s Foreign Pre-Commissioning Training Institution program in partnership with the Republic of Korea’s service academies.

Domingo finished a Bachelor of Science in International Relations at ROKMA and received three major distinctions at graduation: the Star Cadet Award for overall excellence as a first class cadet, the Outstanding Foreign Cadet Award for exemplary performance across academic, physical and leadership standards, and the Republic of Korea Army Comradeship Award recognizing integrity, teamwork and strong bonds with fellow cadets.

The Star Cadet Award marks his second consecutive recognition and builds on his distinction as the first Filipino to receive the award at ROKMA. In May 2025, he also won the 2nd Korean Speaking Contest at Kyungrip Changwon National University in South Korea.

“I humbly attribute these recognitions to God’s provision, the guidance of my superiors, and the solid foundation instilled in me by the Philippine Military Academy,” Cadet Domingo said. “I remain committed to upholding the highest standards expected of a Filipino officer.”

Ego-Ogan, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography at ROKNA, also distinguished himself during his cadetship. He was recognized as a U.S. Chinhae Naval Force Command Korea awardee in an essay competition among ROKNA cadets. He also received the Regimental Communication Aide Merit and 1st Battalion Intelligence and Operations Officer Merit for his work in communications, intelligence and operations, as well as his professionalism in working with allied naval forces.

The two cadets are set to return to the Philippines to join the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy, respectively. Their training abroad provided exposure to allied doctrines and operational frameworks, strengthening professional ties under the Philippines–Republic of Korea defense cooperation program.

For the Philippine Military Academy, their achievements reflect sustained efforts to expand international education opportunities, enhance interoperability with partner nations and produce globally competitive officers for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.