INCOMING cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will first undergo RT-PCR testing and mandatory quarantine as part of the existing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) guidelines before entering the academy.
The PMA said it is processing the safe arrival of 350 incoming cadets of Class 2024 at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City, as they were directed to report to the several unified command headquarters nationwide starting May 31 where they will undergo a 14-day quarantine.
The military institution added that medical clearance will be needed before an incoming cadet can enter the academy.
"Incoming cadets who will test negative for the coronavirus Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) swabbing will be cleared for travel, while those who will test positive will remain under quarantine and other related protocols inside camps," PMA added.
Upon arrival in the academy, the Class 2024 will be segregated from the rest of the members of the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) while undergoing training.
Navy Captain Cheryl Tindog, PMA spokesperson, said it is part of the academy's new normal in segregating the cadets, as they maintain safe and social distancing protocols, citing it will not be the usual type of reception for the PMA.
The traditional reception rites on June 15 will still be closed to public.
Tindog added that more than 33,000 took the entrance exams for Class 2024. There were more than 1,600 who passed and took the complete physical examination and fitness test with only 350 making the cut.
Last year, 28,000 aspirants took the PMA examinations where it was down to 377 cadets of PMA Class of 2023.
PMA added that Covid-19 prevention protocols will still be observed in all training and education aspects to ensure the safety and health of all cadets.
The PMA is still closed to the general public and tourists.