By Chester B. Cabalza
It all began inside Fort Gregorio del Pilar (named after the young hero of the battle of Tirad Pass) of the sprawling 373-hectare handsome compound in Loakan, some 10 kilometers from downtown Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City.
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1959, being part of this premier military learning institution’s centennial existence, manifested its colorful traditions in its new location that was developed into a military training institution with facilities and infrastructure required by its growing number of aspiring cadets from all over the country.
Members of the Class ’59 were selected from the crème of the crop applicants all over Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Thus, by reminiscing the grueling assortment from thousand of applicants from all over the country, only 40 freshmen “plebe” cadets passed the very difficult and intricate entrance examinations, thus, they reported to the Academy on April 1, 1956 after receiving their appointments.
They had all their reasons of entering this august institution. From the rare chance and privilege to serve the country and for acquiring a well rounded education that would help them excel in academics, leadership, teamwork, and physical fitness. The incentives of receiving salary and allowances while studying and the prospect of a guaranteed job after their graduation. Lastly, some thought that they had a progressive career as an officer of the Philippine Army, Navy, Airforce and Philippine Constabulary. But beyond all the promises offered to them as young and idealist individuals, they needed to show that they deserve all the love, support, and honor given to them by their fellow citizens and loved ones.
After their appointment to the Academy, training their body and mind started through the Reception that played a turning point among cadets as that day marked their first day of a military career and the last day of their civilian lives. Their lives as plebes began here to build desirable character traits expected of cadets. They experienced living under an atmosphere of restraint prescribed by rules and regulations. These rules and regulations were all codified into what is known as the Graybook or "cadet bible." The Graybook defines, specifies, and covers all the "do's" and "dont's" of cadet behavior, activities, and actuations.
After eight long and arduous weeks of "Beast Barracks," the new cadets of the Class ’59 were ready to be regular members of the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. They occupied separate barracks and were kept apart from the rest of the Corps saved for the members of the Plebe Detail, as they joined the rest of the Corps in all activities. For the first time, during Incorporation Day, the new plebes joined the rest of the Corps as they passed in review. This Incorporation Ceremony was a meaningful ceremony to them all since it symbolized their fitness and worthiness as true and bonafide cadets.
Like all batches in the Academy, cadets of Class ‘59 followed very unique customs and traditions that were premised on the principle that "no one is fit to command who has not learned to obey." This tradition called for certain standards which the plebe - fresh from civilian life must meet. It was also considered as corrective measures that upperclassmen may take to enable the plebes to meet the standards. In other words, the custom operated for them to develop good qualities as individuals. Likewise, this helped them exercise their leadership qualities.
The development of character is one of the crucial aspects in the training of cadets. It is a fundamental objective which the Philippine Military Academy strives to achieve through the Honor Code and the Honor System. This system is a unique system which is administered by the cadets themselves. Through the Honor System, the cadet binds himself to the Code which states that: “We, the cadets, do not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate among us those who do so.”
The Honor System is very special to the cadets, and transcends all aspects of his life in the Academy. It presupposes clean thinking and honest dealing; therefore, deception is neither tolerated nor are undue advantages allowed to be taken by one another. And as a tradition, Class ’59 adhered to the Honor System.
Among the memorable experiences they had as plebes were the hundred night show (signaled their 100-day countdown to graduation for the firstclass cadets) and ring hop (where a firstclass cadet dance and ceremony which takes place during Graduation Week) that brought them into the night of good memories, laughter, enjoyment, brotherhood, and camaraderie.
Prior to the end their sophomore “yearling” year or second year at the Academy, they already learned the service they wanted to enter into whether to become an army, navy, airforce or Philippine constabulary. That time, some of the members of the class, specialized in training courses like Marine radar/propulsion for future navy ensigns, aerodynamics/flight simulations for future air force lieutenants and the Army Infantry Weapons Effects Simulation System for future Army officers at the start of their third "cow" year.
Hence, cadets in the academy who excelled in both academics and physical training were also rendered the opportunity to enter and study at the United States Military Academy in West Point, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.
Years of heavy training at the Academy thought them so many things. The Recognition ceremony remained to be one of the most touching and memorable traditions they experienced in the PMA. That special day, through a simple yet profoundly meaningful handshake and pat on the back by an upperclass cadet, the fourthclass ceased to be a plebe. This is a rite of passage, the end of the numerous restrictions and difficulties that only a plebe can experience in the Academy.
After they received their commisionship of service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, graduation seemed to be nearing. The Graduation week is one of the most significant and important traditions celebrated in the Philippine Military Academy. It represented the culmination of their four exacting years of regimented training. It is during this week that the firstclass cadets pass on the mantle of leadership to the incoming firstclass cadets in moving and impressive ceremonies which form part of the graduation parade. The graduation week ends with the Graduation Exercises usually with the President of the Philippines and the Commander-in-Chief of the AFP as the guest of honor and speaker.
As part of their sworn duties to serve and protect the country, most members of the Class ’59 rendered their service to the Navy, Army, Airforce and Philippine Constabulary. This was the period of Diaspora and exposure to “Real Life” situations and experiences outside the halls of their beloved PMA.
As they developed from young military officers, their ranks in the military service rose, developed and evolved. Some of them took further studies and trainings locally and internationally. They educated themselves and obtained higher educational degrees and continued their service to the country, as they achieved high-ranking positions their respective fields in the AFP and other civic positions.
They got married and founded their own families. Most of them became triumphant and their children became good citizens and successful professionals. As they retired from military service, most of them pursued other interests in different fields of entrepreneurship, corporate employment, private practice, religious and socio-economic pursuits, and government service.
Finally, some resorted to apostolic mission, such as taking care of their grandchildren. Few already departed leaving substantial legacies. While some others afforded to travel and live abroad with family members while most of them are still active in the Golden Jubilee of the PMA Class 1959.
No comments:
Post a Comment