Cadet Euniño Joaquin F. Manuel of the Philippine Military Academy has completed his cadetship at the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy in South Korea, graduating on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
Manuel, 24, hails from Cabuyao, Laguna. He is the eldest son of Engineer Elrey Q. Manuel and Sheryl F. Manuel, a homemaker, and has one younger brother.
Originally a member of PMA “Bagong Sinag” Class of 2024, Manuel was sent to ROKAFA on 21 January 2022 to continue his education and training under the Philippines–Republic of Korea defense cooperation framework.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and, upon his return to the country, will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Philippine Air Force.
While at ROKAFA, Manuel earned the distinction of “Strongest Cadet” for six semesters and served as 2nd Semester, Academic Year 2025-2026, 2nd Battalion Athletic Staff Officer.
Reflecting on his journey, Manuel said graduating from ROKAFA was “more than the completion of military training — it is the result of endurance, adaptation, and unwavering commitment.”
He cited the Korean phrase “피할 수 없으면 즐겨라” (“If you can’t avoid it, enjoy it”) as a guiding mindset during the most demanding phases of his training.
Representing the Philippines in a foreign military academy, he said, was both an honor and a responsibility.
He expressed gratitude to his family, mentors and friends “whose support from afar carried me through moments they never saw,” and thanked his Korean classmates and instructors for the camaraderie and mutual respect developed over the years.
Above all, he offered his achievement “to God, to whom be all the glory.”
The Philippine Military Academy said Manuel’s graduation underscores its commitment to broadening cadets’ exposure through international education and training with allied institutions.
Such programs allow future Armed Forces of the Philippines officers to gain exposure to allied doctrines, operational perspectives and military cultures, strengthening long-term interoperability and defense cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.
The academy added that Manuel’s achievement serves as inspiration for young Filipinos aspiring to serve, showing that discipline, faith and hard work can enable cadets to excel in demanding international settings while carrying the honor of the PMA, the AFP and the country.