ABOUT 71 cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 2020 "Masidlawin" will hold a "Silent Drill Exhibition" at the Bago City Sports Complex Friday, May 18.
Lieutenant Colonel Reynaldo Balido, chief of the PMA public affairs office, said Thursday, May 17, that the "Silent Drill Exhibition" is part of PMA's training program or Southern Tour this year.
He said Class 2020 "Masidlawin" was given a chance to visit the selected cities in Visayas and Mindanao for its members to be oriented on various military units, customs, and traditions and encourage the youth to enroll at PMA.
The "Silent Drill Exhibition" will last for 50 minutes.
The Class 2020 "Masidlawin" has a total of 269 cadets.
Of the number, two cadets are from Bacolod City, five from Iloilo City, one from Bago City, and two from Antique.
Balido said on May 19, they will also hold a "Silent Drill Exhibition" in Bacolod City.
Last month, the cadets of the PMA also held its "Silent Drill Exhibition" in Palawan, Zamboanga, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu City.
Cadet 2CL Femah Gimay, a resident of Barangay Mansilingan, said she joined the PMA at the age of 17 because of her aunt, who also graduated in PMA Class 2002.
"At first, there was fear because of the training, but I'm thankful that I survived," she said.
Cadet 2CL Trexy Janielle Hopida, a resident of Bago City, said she also joined the PMA at the age of 17.
"It's a big privilege for us and it's a big honor to serve the Filipino people. I'm also encouraging the youth to join the PMA," she said.
Balido said all the cadets are scholars and they are also receiving a monthly basic pay of P38,000.
"After their graduation, they will be serving the nation and our people," he said.
Balido urged the youth in Negros Occidental aged 17 to 21 to join PMA. The applicants should be 5-foot tall (both male and female), high school graduate, single and never been married, natural-born Filipino citizens and must passed the PMA entrance examination.
PMA will hold an entrance examination on September 9 in various testing centers nationwide.
The applicants can apply through online or visit PMA website www.PMA.ph. (MAP)