ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu, a retired military general, called on the cadets and alumni of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to remember their plebe hood days and exercise strong political will in making decisions beneficial for society.
During this year’s PMA alumni homecoming at Fort Del Pilar, Cimatu defined political will as a determined resolve to accomplish something no matter how difficult and regardless on any obstacles.
“For today’s occasion, I have another definition of political will, it means if a plebe is given an order by his upper classman, he will find a way to accomplish it regardless of obstacles and difficulties, and then comply,” Cimatu said.
Cimatu emphasized the importance of character development in each of the cadets and the alumni which starts with the family and early school, followed by the continuous development of the trait and character of every individual.
“This is very true to the new cadets of PMA because by the very nature of their chosen profession, the profession of arms, regimented training is required to build teamwork and discipline. Having undergone plebe hood and the fourth class system, I can categorically say that if one passes plebe hood, one have acquired a character with a strong will, political will if you may, a will that does not wilt under pressure,” said the former military general.
Cimatu reiterated the importance of plebe hood in which it inculcates in the cadets and the alumni the important virtues of the leader-follower concept while adhering to the mission statement of the premiere military institution in the country.
“As the mission statement of PMA states to instruct, train and develop the cadets so that each graduate shall possess the character, the broad and basic military skill, and the education essential in the successful of a progressive military career,” Cimatu added.