THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) welcomed on November 16 Air Force Major General Ferdinand Cartujano as the academy's new superintendent.

Cartujano, during the turnover, asked the support of the PMA community and its alumni in the eradication of maltreatment in the academy and upholding the honor system.

The turnover ceremony was led by Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff General Gilbert Gapay with limited attendees due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new PMA superintendent was appointed following the retirement of Vice Admiral Allan Ferdinand Cusi who was appointed October 1, 2019.

Cartujano, the 82nd PMA superintendent, in his speech, expressed thrill and excitement after signing designation orders and assuming the command of the military institution while vowing to work hard for the productive and safe stay of the cadets.

"The upholding of the honor system and the total eradication of maltreatment in the academy are responsibilities that I alone cannot bear this are task bigger than the rest of the PMA community combined. It is a concern of all PMA alumni, officers, as well as the armed forces of the Philippines," said Cartujano.

"However, it is also significant to note that entering the military service as a cadet is not a walk in the park. It is not for the faint-hearted, you are strip from your civilian antics and you are trained to become defenders of the motherland it is expected that your training will be tough, while developing a sound mind and a compassionate heart for your future endeavors and service to the nation. Thus, under my charge, PMA will work hard for every cadet to have a safe and productive stay here and become officers of the land," added Cartujano.

Cartujano earlier served as the academy staff in 2016 and assistant superintendent of PMA in 2017.

He acknowledged President Rodrigo Duterte, Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Gapay for their affirmation and recommendation and the members of the AFP Board of Generals and Vice Admiral Cusi.

For the whole PMA, he asked everyone to work hand in hand to be at the forefront of salient changes, adding he is open to changes, suggestions, recommendations for the betterment, and sustainment of the institution.

Gapay, meanwhile, told Cartujano his appointment comes in a critical time for the PMA and the AFP facing the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"May you therefore not be daunted by the immense responsibility of your appointment entails and instead have the will, wisdom, and resolve to implement reforms that would uphold integrity of PMA and shield cadets from any form of harm," Gapay added.