PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

12 December 2024, CANBERRA – Three cadets from the Philippine Military Academy, Cadet Roald Bautista (Air Force), Cadet Lord Gocotano (Army) and Cadet Maria Denise Silvestre (Navy), graduated on 12 December 2024 from the prestigious Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra after completing a three-year training and academic program.

Cadet Silvestre was awarded the Commandant’s International Trainee Sword of Honour Award. The award is for the most exceptional performance by a third year International Midshipman or Officer Cadet in the fields of academic and military achievement, leadership, personal example and performance of duty during their time at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

Col. Eduardo Castillo, Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to Australia and Col. Paul Anthony Aviquivil, Assistant Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, represented Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio A. Morales in the event.

Australia is the Philippines’ second largest partner in defence and security cooperation. Under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program, the Philippines and Australia will continue dialogue and collaboration on capacity building, training initiatives, leadership development, and infrastructure collaboration. -END