Lest PMA Cavaliers forget
THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is the country’s premier military education and training institution and among the nation’s foremost investments in national security. So far, the PMA has produced over 11,900 graduates since it was authorized to confer a college degree on its graduates. Come this May, some 278 members of the PMA “Bagong-Sinag” Class of 2024 who hope to render their final salute as members of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines will be added to the Roster of Cavaliers.
Once they are declared graduates and upon receiving their diplomas from the Commander-in-Chief and President of the Republic, who, by tradition, is the guest of honor and commencement speaker, they are sworn as members of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI). Its chairman and chief executive officer presides over the oath-taking ceremony.
Cavaliers have long distinguished themselves in the nation’s internal security and territorial defense operations, leading the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), from the chief of staff down to the unit leaders of the forward-deployed units of the Navy/ Marines, the Army and the Air Force. From the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to the commanders in the remotest precincts, from the commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard to the commanders in the farthest stations, Cavaliers have distinguished themselves in various fields in the broad spectrum of military, police and coast guard operations. In fact, most of those who have served in uniform until they reached the compulsory retirement age are still serving the nation, either in public service or private enterprise.
Every February, Cavaliers troop to Fort Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City for many reasons, chief of which is to attend their Annual Alumni Homecoming. It is one occasion when members of “the long grey line” pay homage to their alma mater to rekindle the bond and restrengthen the camaraderie that has helped mold the persons they have become.
Every alumni homecoming, the PMAAAI board of directors, after a stringent nomination and thorough deliberation process, bestows the prestigious Cavalier Award on retired or active service members of manifest excellence in their respective fields. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is this year’s guest of honor and speaker.