Cavs come home; PMA welcomes young bloods

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City — In addition to celebrating Valentine's Day, Baguio saw an influx of visitors over the weekend as the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) held its annual homecoming at its headquarters, attended by its "sons and daughters," along with their families and loved ones.

Among the highlights of this year’s homecoming were the Diamond Jubilarians Class of 1965, Golden Jubilarians Class of 1975, and Silver Jubilarians Class of 2000.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco served as the guest of honor. In his speech, he pledged financial support for the construction and improvement of the academy’s key facilities.

Tengco announced plans to fund several critical projects, including the construction of a new Candidate Control Liaison Office, a modern warfare laboratory, additional facilities for the PMA Sports Complex, and patient transport vehicles. He also promised to support the development of a new warfare laboratory designed to integrate modern combat strategies and advanced technologies into the academy’s curriculum. Other proposed projects include the construction of a martial arts studio and an Olympic-sized heated swimming pool to further enhance the PMA Sports Complex.

“These projects are proof of our commitment to protect the welfare of the brave men and women of the PMA and the Armed Forces who risk their lives for our nation,” Tengco said. “With grateful hearts, we will ensure that your sacrifices are never taken for granted and that you can always count on our cooperation and support,” he added.

Meanwhile, PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia expressed gratitude for PAGCOR’s ongoing support, noting the strong history of collaboration between the two organizations.

Among the notable attendees were Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (PMA Class of 1982), Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa (PMA Class of 1986), and senatorial candidate Ariel Queurebin (PMA Class of 1979).

Open house

Before the "cavaliers" — as PMA alumni refer to themselves — marched in the grand parade and before the awards were presented and speeches delivered, an open house was held. Visitors were given access to some cadet rooms, where they saw ironed bunk beds, tidy study desks, snappy folded uniforms, and shined shoes.

The visitors had the chance to experience what it’s like to live in a cadet’s room, while cavaliers took the opportunity to reminisce about their cadet days and reflect on the changes in the buildings and rooms over the years. Over 1,700 cavaliers attended the gathering.

‘Young blood shall come to carry on’

Perhaps the most awaited part of the event was the military grand parade, which included different PMA batches. The grand parade also welcomed its newest cavaliers, the Bagong Sinag Class of 2024.

The PMA Alumni Homecoming is more than just a gathering; it is an event where both old and young serve as protectors of the nation, reflecting on what has been and what will be — the past challenges overcome and the future to be shaped.