Three-hundred fifty cadets have started a four-year rigorous military training after they took their oath and officially became members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2026.
The oath-taking and reception rites of the youngbloods were conducted at the PMA in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City on Saturday, July 9.
"Oath-taking is the highlight of the activity as it signifies the acceptance of the 350 incoming fourth-class cadets to the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) and marks that beginning of a long, challenging and fulfilling life of being a cadet," said Brig. Gen. Julius Tomines, acting PMA Superintendent.
The oath-taking ceremony was followed by the traditional “reception rites” to test and gauge the physical and mental stamina of a plebe, or a freshman cadet, through a series of fast-paced physical activities supervised by the members of the training directorate.
This also signals the start of their regimented military life and gradual transformation from civilians into professional and disciplined young military leaders.
The cadets were part of the 37,651 applicants who applied for the PMA Entrance Examination (PMAEE) last year where only 24,288 individuals were qualified to take the said examination in 45 Testing Centers nationwide.
The prevailing threat of the Covid-19 pandemic prompted the conduct of the exams in clusters (Island Group) and in a series of staggered examination dates.
Out of the 24,288 who took the Entrance Examination, only 1,211 passed and 888 reported for the medical and physical examination at the AFP Health Service Command.
From there, only 350 cadets were selected after passing the rigid physical and medical exams.