BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) recently welcomed 350 incoming cadets in reception rites at Fort delPilar in this mountain resort.
The 350 cadets, 280 males and 70 females, who will compose PMA Class 2025 took their oath last June 14 as members of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The reception rite is a simple yet meaningful ceremony to test and gauge the cadets’ physical strength before the formal start of their military training. Traditionally this signals the start of a regimented military life and gradual transformation from civilian into professional and disciplined young military leaders.
For this year with the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the new cadets in complying with the minimum health standards, performed exercises to test their physical strength and stamina with their masks on and observing physical distancing.
The event was also closed to parents and relatives of the incoming cadets and the public as a precautionary measure.
The 350 plebes successfully underwent and completed a series of written, physical, medical and neuro-psychiatric examinations. They are among the 1,600 who passed the written test out of the 33,000 examinees who took the PMA exam in August last year.
PMA Superintendent Lt.General Ferdinand M. Cartujano encouraged the new cadets to strive to succeed onward to a rewarding military career.
He also advised them that as they create their own destiny, let the Omnipotent Provider be the source of their strength and wisdom. **JDP/JBZ- PIA CAR
