PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced a curriculum revamp for the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) this year.
During commencement exercises for the 226 members of the Masidlak (Mandirigmang Sibol Dakilang Lahing Kayumanggi) Class of 2010, Arroyo said the class this year had the most number of degree holders, making it one of the more intelligent classes of the academy.
“This class has the most number of starmen and the lowest attrition rate in [the] history [of PMA],” the President said.
Arroyo lauded the young officers, tagging them as future leaders. “This has become a higher education facility and makes the future brighter and for the future generations.”
Arroyo said the academy will undergo a curriculum review headed by Consuelo Estepa of the University of Sto. Tomas graduate studies to strengthen the technology curriculum of one of Asia’s premier military school.
The President said tools of improvement in the PMA needs emphasis on technological advancement and communication skills for cadets as compared to the sole focus in the 1990s, engineering skills.
Over P60 million has been given for the academy’s infrastructure development inside the campus and road development in the area.
“A strong education is the backbone in technology. {These] are the twin pillars for a brighter future,” she said.
Arroyo is focusing on three areas in the region: more power and growth to take attention away from Mega Manila; investing on the environment; and education and economy and the youth.
PMA superintendent Vice Admiral Leonardo Calderon Jr. said the PMA is adhering to the roadmap formulated to improve the academy’s curriculum. (Ma. Elena Catajan)