THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is still accepting applicants for PMA entrance exam until 10 a.m. of Saturday, September 10, 2022, through online.
The examination is scheduled on September 10 and 11 throughout the country.
In Cebu City, it will be held in the University of Cebu Maritime campus in Barangay Mambaling.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Lourdes Imperial, one of the PMA officials, said those who stand at least 5 feet in height for both male and female, between 17 and 22 years old and have an average grade of 85 percent in secondary education are qualified to take the exam.
Vaccination cards are not needed anymore, but swab test is still required for examinees prior to the exam to determine if they are positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) virus.
In Cebu City, at least 650 individuals have already registered for the exam but the number is expected to rise as PMA will still accept applicants until 10 a.m. of Saturday through online.
Requirements for the exam are posted on the PMA's Facebook page.
Although the Department of National Defense has not revealed yet the total number of applicants that they are going to recruit for school year 2022-2023, Imperial said they are expecting to enlist 350 individuals as what they did in the previous years.
He said those hired will enjoy free education and board and lodging in PMA Baguio, and will be receiving a salary.
Imperial also said that the so-called hazing of cadets within the academy is strictly prohibited.
"The term being used in PMA is not hazing but maltreatment. The academy does not tolerate any form of maltreatment, whether physical or psychological. Cadets found guilty are discharged from the academy and they may be charged criminally as provided by the anti-hazing law," said Imperial.
Army Major Joe Patrick Martinez, group commander of the 3rd Civil Relations of the Visayas Command, advised the examinees not to take the exam for granted.
He said it is best for the examinees to study subjects that would possibly come out in the exam such as Algebra, Trigonometry and Geometry, among others, and review their answers properly.
The Cebu City police will provide security to UC Mambaling during the two-day exam, according to Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Parilla. (AYB, TPT)