BAGUIO CITY (PNA) – The head of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) urged its 350 new cadets to stay positive throughout their training at the school during the traditional reception rites and oathtaking ceremony here Saturday, July 9.
“Use your positive mental attitude to conquer the challenges one at a time, and don't quit,” said Brig. Gen. Julius Tomines, acting PMA superintendent, in a message during the event at the Borromeo Field in Fort del Pilar here.
Reception is a tradition in the country's premier military institution where they receive for the first time the passers of the rigid screening process conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the halls of the academy.
It marks the start of the four years of training and schooling leading to a profession of arms as future leaders of the Philippine Army, Air Force, and Navy.
The reception and oathtaking also marked the shift of the mindset of the cadet from a civilian to a military professional.
Tomines told the cadets that the training, though challenging, will develop their character. “It will hone you to become good military officers imbued with character based on the values of courage, integrity, and loyalty,” Tomines said.
He reminded cadets that the academy is serious in its goals and in pursuing the traditions where dishonor, mediocrity, and maltreatment are not tolerated.
Tomines said that the training of the cadets is holistic and aims to develop and mold the character of a person befitting a lady and a gentleman.
He said that the training is not purely physical but also involves fast paced mental training designed to help cadets make timely decisions.
The 350 new cadets hurdled a rigid screening that started with 37,651 who applied; 28,284 who took the entrance examination; 1,211 who passed; and 888 who reported for the physical and medical examination.
The cadet receives salary as a soldier and all the benefits of a student of an educational institution with complete facilities, board and lodging, books and uniforms, and sure employment after graduation.