Wednesday, August 22, 2007 City Hall lauds PMA cadets
CITY Hall called on the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Baghawi Class of 2008 to lead the country towards peace and freedom in the wake of the ongoing war in Basilan.
In his speech during arrival honors in Divisoria, , Mayor Constantino Jaraula said while they gladly welcome the presence of PMA officials and cadets in Cagayan de Oro, they lament that soldiers are now engaged "in a dirty war in Basilan."
The mayor called on dignitaries and those attending the ceremony to observe a minute of silence to pray for those soldiers slain in the ongoing offensives in Basilan province.
He said the fighting in Mindanao is an offshoot of an age-old problem than can be charged to neglect of the past and the lack of appreciation for the future and what the country's leaders are doing at present.
"We have inherited so much misunderstanding and many people in the country do not understand Mindanao in its total context," he said.
Mayor Jaraula urged the PMA cadets to develop a deeper appreciation of the uniqueness of Mindanao culture if only to contribute to the attainment of a lasting peace in the island.
The city mayor also expressed pride in the achievements of the graduating PMA cadets for making the ultimate commitment in service for love of country.
Brigade General Ralph Villanueva, PMA commandant of cadets, thanked Mayor Jaraula and the City Government for the warm welcome they received.
The PMA Baghawi Class of 2008 later performed a silent drill exhibition for local officials at the Pelaez Sports Complex.
The PMA arrival of honors and silent drill exhibition are part of the many activities lined up for the Kagay-an Festival 2007. (Stephen Capillas/With press release)
