GUEST COLUMNIST
By Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret)
The recent Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Homecoming unfolded with the weight of tradition and the promise of the future, in the heart of Baguio City on Feb. 17, 2024. On this day, cadets, awardees, alumni, and their families came together to commemorate not just an institution but also a history of honor, service, and sacrifice, where the sounds of the past blended with the hopes of the future.
Cadets and alumni stood rigidly facing each other in the Borromeo Field as the sun cast its bright light upon them. The cadets’ uniforms symbolize a canvas of hopes interwoven with the threads of the bravery of the alumni while their families, relatives, and friends gaze from the grandstand with a cacophony of colors.
Conversing with the cadets, a Yearling, (second-year cadet) who grew up in the harsh environment of Iguig, Cagayan, touched people's hearts with its unvarnished rawness. His eyes reflected the fire of purpose as he admitted, "My parents struggled to provide a better life for me since I was born into a poor family." "Being a scholar was not enough. The academy offered more than education; it offered hope." These remarks served as a poignant reminder that dreams were not only fostered but also achieved in the revered halls of PMA. His remarks were an oath to defend his values of sacrifice and service.
Two cadets, a Plebe (first-year cadet) and a Cow (third-year cadet), talked in a straightforward manner that belied their deep commitment. The plebe said, "I want to be a soldier, I find personal satisfaction in serving the people,” his words resounding with passion. The Cow stated, "I want to serve the people,” her voice a beacon of unflinching resolve. I encountered the core of patriotism—the courage to stand up for something bigger than oneself—in their testimonies.
These cadets will metamorphose into professional and dedicated soldiers, public servants, and business persons as they journey with the foundational values of courage, integrity, and loyalty taught in PMA as their guide. This is demonstrated by this year’s cavalier awardees in various fields as living testaments to this transition, from purely individualistic goals to life-long commitment to dedicated service.
I will not delve deeply into the awardees as they have been extensively reported by LtGen. Jaime S. delos Santos (Ret), two weeks ago in his column except to convey my congratulations to all the awardees with special mention to my classmate at PMA, Cavalier Roberto Yap (1982), who stood as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and was awarded for Private Enterprise. My congratulations, too, to Cavalier Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. (1974), my mentor and former boss at Operations, J3, and one of the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award as he stood as a pillar of strength and inspiration.
The awards were given by the guest of honor during the Alumni Homecoming, Senate Pres. Juan Miguel Zubiri. In his inspirational speech, Sen. Zubiri stressed the legislative support given by the Senate to ensure democracy and preserve the nation’s sovereignty.
The alumni homecoming presented an important chance for former classmates and alumni to reunite, share life stories, and strengthen the close relationships they developed while serving as cadets. Shared struggles and sacrifices made in the service of the country further cemented these bonds of comradeship. Stories of mutual assistance in a variety of, occasionally life and death, situations are recounted at these reunions, underscoring the enduring brotherhood, camaraderie, and solidarity among Academy graduates.
The families of the cadets and graduates in the PMA grandstand illustrate the important role of family support during the service journey. At the homecoming, alumni brought their families to familiarize them with their alma mater and create new memories. The cadets' families, relatives, and friends also used the occasion to catch up with their sons and daughters and celebrate their accomplishments.
One thing was certain as the ceremony ended: the Academy's spirit endures in the hearts of its cadets, alumni, and families, creating a tapestry of boundless bravery and selfless sacrifice. It was more than just a celebration; the occasion served as a stark reminder of the Filipinos' collective aspirations, values, and destiny as a country.
The 2024 PMA alumni homecoming was an honoring of heroes—past, present, and future—who personify the PMA-instilled ethos of honor, patriotism, and professionalism. With the cadets' dream of serving the people, alumni always ready to serve with dedication and sacrifice, and families resolute in their unwavering support, the country’s security is assured. Congratulations to the aspirants, achievers, and champions of liberty. Kudos to the Academy: A legacy of courage, a fortress of integrity, and an embodiment of loyalty. My salute!
(Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret) served as the 8th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, the 32nd commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, and the former deputy chief of staff for Operations, J3 of the AFP. He is now the VP for cooperative planning and marketing of PAFCPIC, a cooperative serving the active and retired AFP personnel.)