Son Outranks Father in Philippine Military

Mark Clement Centina of Cadiz City, Philippines, graduated tenth in his class from the Philippine Military Academy. The 24-year-old initially planned to become a lawyer but joined the PMA after failing to pass the entrance exam once. He is the son of Cromwell Centina, a retired sergeant who served for 27 years.

Mark previously studied economics at the University of the Philippines Visayas before deciding to pursue military training in 2022. He credits support from family, classmates, and faith for helping him endure the academy’s demanding curriculum. He nearly left the program during his second year, balancing academics with physical and leadership requirements.

Now a graduate, Mark will join the Philippine Army and work directly with local communities. His rank surpasses his father’s, a fact Cromwell accepts with pride and understanding of the academy’s difficulties. The family’s journey reflects both sacrifice and resilience, though Mark acknowledges the challenges of balancing personal goals with the demands of military life.