PMA cadets visit Cebu next week

CEBU, Philippines - The cadets of the Philippine Military Academy 2014 Siklab-Diwa class will visit Cebu next week to orient the public about the Armed Forces of the Philippines and to market the PMA.

The yearling, consisting of 24 females and 251 males will have a series of activities during their visit here from May 4 to 10.

Navy Lieutenant Commander Navy Ferdinand Gloria said they are trying to showcase the PMA and attract would-be applicants from Cebu as well as to bring the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PMA closer to the community.

Gloria said they are encouraging qualified Cebuanos to apply to enjoy the benefits of being a PMA cadet.

“A portion of the public’s taxes goes to the AFP-PMA and once they will be qualified, everything is free including board and lodging,” the official told The FREEMAN.

Applicants should be 17 to 21 years old. Males should be at least 5’4” tall while females must stand at least 5’2”. They should have an average grade of 85, be physically fit and single without children.

This visit program was last made in 1991 due to some adjustments of their curriculum of instruction.

The cadets will also conduct an orientation tour about the AFP unit in Cebu, information drives in chosen barrio schools in Cebu and a silent drill exhibition which will be held at the Cebu City Sports Center on May 7 at 9 a.m. It will be open to the public.

Gloria said another program planned is the PMA Foster Parent Program here in Cebu. This will be for those who would like to have visiting PMA cadets as their foster children.

“It’s good that if our cadets will be here in Cebu, may mapupunta-han sila na foster parents,” Gloria said, adding that they are also trying to encourage poor but deserving students to become part of the PMA.  (FREEMAN)