PMA cadets showcase silent drill in Panabo City

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 3): PMA cadets showcase silent drill in Panabo City

Ninety-two cadets composed of 18 women and 74 men of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Gabay Laya” Class of 2016 performed their 45-minute silent drill under the heat of the scorching sun in the Panabo Multipurpose Tourism Cultural and Sports Center grounds, Panabo City.

The delegation was welcomed by Mayor Jose Silvosa Sr. during their courtesy call. The visitors were composed of Head of the PMA Delegation, Cmdr Junjie B. Tabuada, PN together with Maj Julius C. Librada PA, the Course Director in the Soldier Team Development Course, LTC Inocencio I. Pasaporte INF (GSC) PA Commander of 69th Infantry Battalion, 7ID, PA and several PMA cadets.

“This is a part of their annual southern cruise, for the cadets to be oriented in the different AFP units of the Philippines, that will help them choose which branch of service they will serve – the Army, the Navy or the Air Force, after graduating from the Academy,” said Tabuada. “We are also promoting the PMA in the southern region, also to encourage the male and female youth to study in the Academy.”

During the 45-minute presentation, the cadets executed marching and manual of arms without the benefit of oral commands. Gun salutes were also fired during the performance. Added attraction was their performance of various modern dance moves, including Harlem Shake, Gangnam Style,Careless Whisper, and Davao’s Budots.

Cadets also offered red roses to the delight of the female audience in the middle of executing their dance steps.

“We are inviting the youth of Panabo to apply for the Philippine Military Academy, the premier leadership institution in the country. This is a rare chance to serve our country as part of the country’s armed forces,” said Cadet 3rd Class Don Stanley Dalisay, president of Gabay Laya Class. “Yearly entrance examinations are done every last Sunday of August. Application forms are available in various military camps and ROTC units.”

To be able to qualify for the academy, applicants must be: a natural born Filipino Citizen, 17 to 21 years old, physically fit and of good moral character, single and has never been married, have a height of at least 5 feet but not exceed 6’4” for both male and female. They also must pass the PMA entrance examination. Interested applicants can also apply online at http://www.pma.ph

All cadets at the PMA are granted full scholarship receiving monthly salary and allowances higher than the salary of the highest ranking enlisted personnel of the AFP while studying for four years earning a bachelor of science degree and a chance to study abroad after graduation.

Gabay Laya Class of 2016 had already done their presentations in some of the key cities in Mindanao, including Davao City and Digos City. After their performance in Panabo City, their next stop is Tagum City.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1591367485736