PMA says no tension during alumni homecoming

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 20): PMA says no tension during alumni  homecoming

Philippine Military Academy information officer Maj. Fara Krishna Candelaria  said PMA is not worried about clashing ideologies or controversial issues during the annual  alumni homecoming  which is expected to draw  more than 4000 cavaliers on Saturday, February  21.

“It will be a festive mood,” said Candelaria adding there is no tension despite  the  recent  Mamasapano incident  putting some  police and Armed Forces of the Philippines officers who  are  PMA graduates, in  the  center of the controversy with  the  death of 44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force members.

“For many cavaliers, this event has become their way of renewing and strengthening the sense of patriotism and idealism that the academy has imparted to them. To some it is a time to unwind and reacquaint with their mistahs or classmates,” Candelaria said.

For Atty. James Valeros, a member of PMA Class of 1964, the PMA Alumni homecoming is an event where each PMA graduate forgets issues and controversies and just have a good time of bonding and friendship between and among their classmates and other PMA graduates and their families as well.

“Pagdating ng homecoming, nakakalimutan lahat yang mga issues at problema, ang nagyayari kwentuhan at kumustahan na lang,” Valeros added.

Starting Friday, around 4,000 cavaliers and their families will return to their alma mater here in the city of Pines for the annual homecoming event.

On Feb. 21, Saturday, the activity will be highlighted by the alumni parade and program with Eduardo Oban, Jr., a member of PMA Class of 1979, the former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and now the executive director of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces as the guest speaker. It will be followed by the traditional picnic and other activities by the respective PMA classes.

Special recognition will be given to the members of PMA Class 1955 as Diamond Jubilarians (60 years); Class 1965 as Golden Jubilarians (50 years); and Class 90 as Silver Jubilarians (25 years).

Among the highlights include the PMA Alumni Eco Trail Run within Fort del Pilar and the Battle of Classes Golf Tournament at Camp John Hay on Feb. 19; Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the PMA Alumni Memorial, Opening of PMA Football Cup and Leadership Forum for Cadets at PMA Campus on Feb. 20; the traditional “Open House” at the PMA Cadet Barracks on Feb. 21; Arrival Honors for Royal Thai General Thawip Poonsiri Netniyom of Class ’81, and Silent Drill on February 22.

Lead host for this year’s homecoming is PMA Sandiwa Class of 1985.

Other hosts classes  are PMA Magiting Class of 1970, Makabayan Class of 1975, Mapitagan Class of 1980, Bigkis-Lahi Class of 1990, Marilag Class of 1995, Sanghaya Class of 2000, Sanlingan Class of 2005 and Masidlak Class of 2010.

Meanwhile, the PMA and the Baguio City Police Office are working together to  ensure security during the event.

Candelaria said that the PMA will utilize its personnel together with augmentation from the Army and Navy to help secure the academy.

The BCPO is augmented by the Regional Public Safety Battalion and will be deployed at the different strategic areas in the city particularly the roads and areas leading to the PMA and the entry and exit points of the city
The PMA alumni homecoming is part of the month-long Baguio Flower Festival or Panagbenga.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/41424345615/pma-says-no-tension-during-alumni-homecoming