PMA cadets due to arrive today

CEBU, Philippines - The cadets of the Philippine Military Academy 2014 Siklab-Diwa class are set to arrive in Cebu noon today for their Southern cruise in Cebu to be exposed to the various units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This is to provide them better appreciation of the AFP organization and aid them in the selection of their preferred branch of service.

The cadets, consisting of 24 females and 251 males will have a series of activities during their visit here from May 4 to 10.

They are set to arrive at the Naval Forces Central in Barangay Canjulao, Lapu-Lapu City.

Later the same day, they will have a courtesy call on Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama at 3 p.m.

On May 5, they will conduct information drives and university tours at the University of Cebu, University of the Visayas, Southwestern University and some media outlets before they will have their silent drill rehearsal at the Cebu City Sports Center.

On May 6, they will have their silent drill performance at the University of San Jose-Recoletos at 8 a.m. to be followed by a courtesy call on Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the Police Regional Office-7 regional director Ager Ontog.

On May 7, they will perform another silent drill at the Cebu City Sports Center at 9 a.m.

Their cadet grand ball and courtesy call on the Commander of the 2nd Air Division, Maj. Gen. Jesus Fajardo, will be on May 8. They will depart for Cagayan de Oro on May 10.

Navy Lieutenant Commander Ferdinand Gloria said they are trying to market the PMA by bringing the AFP and the PMA closer to the community.

Gloria said they are encouraging qualified Cebuanos to apply and to enjoy the benefits of being a PMA cadet.

“A portion of the public’s taxes goes to the AFP-PMA and once they will be qualified, everything is free including board and lodging,” the official told The FREEMAN.

Applicants should be 17 to 21 years old. Males should be at least 5’4” tall while females must stand at least 5’2”. They should have an average grade of 85, be physically fit, single, and without children. –/BRP (FREEMAN)