PMA cadets show off skills

CEBU, Philippines — This was part of PMA’s Southern Cruise Tour, an annual event aimed at enticing more young individuals to join the academy and serve the country.

Cebu was the fifth stop for the annual tour.

The cadets’ next stop is Bacolod City in Negros Occidental. They also visited Palawan, Zamboanga City, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City.

Carlo Wong, 22, was among the 70 cadets from Masidlawin Class of 2020 who performed two silent drill exhibitions.

About 270 cadets were in the city for the event.

The silent drill is a series of calculated drill movements with elaborate rifle spins and rifle exchanges/passing that exhibit the cadets’ skill in handling the M14 rifle.

It likewise showcases the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and could serve as an inspiration to the youth to become cadets of the PMA.

Wong encouraged his fellow youth to apply for cadetship and urged them to face their fears and serve the country and their fellowmen.

“With insurgency threats, it’s high time to promote PMA,” he said.

For his part, Joshua Gumera, a 22-year-old cadet, said it’s a tiring but worthwhile experience.

“Bahala’g kapoy and init basta happy and proud mi,” he said.

Navy Captain Salvador Lavapie Jr., PMA mission commander, said the cadets go through tough trainings, including the said exhibition.

“Nagpe-perform ng silent drill ang mga cadets every Sunday sa PMA. Dun pa lang trained na sila,” he said.

Aside from the silent drill exhibition, the PMA host parents program was relaunched in Cebu.

The program, which was developed in the 1970s, provides cadets with “homes away from home” during short breaks in training, according to retired colonel Clarence Martinez, president of PMA-Cebu Squad Inc.

Martinez said the program proves that basic citizens of the country have an essential role in bringing out good character and values out of these cadets as future leaders.

At least 77 foster parents attended yesterday’s event.

If you are 17 to 21 years old with a minimum height of 5 feet and single, you are welcome to apply and be part of the PMA.

Interested applicants may apply online at www.PMA.ph. — Shaira Nicole M. Ymbong, STC Intern (FREEMAN)