PMA has new superintendent

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 26): PMA has new superintendent

The Philippine Military Academy, the premiere military school in South East Asia, has a new chief. Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Noel Coballes presided in turnover ceremony of outgoing PMA Superintendent Major Gen Nonato Peralta Jr. to the new chief, Lt. Gen. Irineo Espino. The turnover ceremony conducted at the Borromeo Field here was witnessed by military officers, faculty, cadets and other guests including their “mistahs” last Friday morning. Both Peralta and Espino belong to the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979. Peralta Jr. will assume as new commander of the 2nd Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army known as the Home of the Jungle Fighters. He will be the 34th commander of the 2nd ID replacing Major General Eduardo del Rosario who has retired from military service. Espino was the AFP Inspector General before taking the leadership of the PMA.

During the time of Peralta as superintendent, the PMA curriculum underwent major changes. Socio-humanistic courses were added to balance the techno-scientific disciplines with a view toward training and developing a cadet to become a well-rounded officer. Peralta also focused on cadet training insuring that what cadets learned in the Academy would complement the AFP's program of instilling the spirit of “bayanihan” among would-be soldiers. He saw to it that the cadets were given a foundation on peace-building initiatives and stakeholders-engagement. Respect for human rights and the rule of law were also given emphasis. Cadets improved their endurance and strength during the training he initiated to the cadets including sports development. It was his time that the cadets were able to join and excel in the different marathon run and endurance challenge in and out of the city.

As PMA chief, he also initiated the lowering of the height of incoming cadets starting from cadets who would compose PMA Class of 2017. Male and female hopefuls who are at least five feet are now accepted to the military school from the original 5’4” for men and 5’2” for women. A new PMA roadmap was also crafted to have a deeper sense of leadership and understanding for the constitution.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=41353859112