RP soon to have first high-tech military camp

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City – Smart Communications is paving the way for the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to become the first Filipino military camp to go high-tech.

Smart signed a partnership Tuesday with the country’s military institution for a cellphone-based service that will improve communications inside the camp.

This service includes an internal Short Messaging System (SMS) broadcast service that will allow multiple and simultaneous text broadcast on information like guard duties and special bulletins.

PMA superintendent Major Gen. Leopoldo Maligalig said that cell phones had become part of cadet life at the PMA, although some restrictions and regulations on its use are in place.

"We see technology as part of the training of our cadets like character development, managing time and other benefits," Maligalig said. "We don’t want to impose a total ban (like other training academies) because we want cadets to have a wide horizon."

Danilo Mojica of Smart said that for its part, the company is looking forward to significant touch points in nation building and "the PMA is one of those touch points."

With the Smart infrastructure in place at the PMA, it is now possible for everyone to know what PMA activities are lined up, like parades for tourists and visitors.

Another benefit is in the area of recruitment of future cadets to the academy. Mojica said the SMS recruitment service will help the PMA improve their recruitment coverage because "we know that there are students from a cross-range of sectors and places around the country who want to become PMA cadets and it is only through the wireless system that they can be reached."

Moreover, cadets can now send money to their families through their cell phones at only P2.50 per transaction compared with other money remittance services that charge higher rates.

After PMA, Mojica said Smart is planning to partner with other educational institutions in the country as well as security agencies such as the Philippine National Police.