Two weeks ago, the nation marked the 71st anniversary of the Fall of Bataan, a day dedicated to the memory of our veterans who fought alongside American soldiers in a campaign that from the start had already been written off by Washington. The United States’ secretary of war, Henry Stimson, put it thus: “There are times when men have to die.”
In November last year, I wrote an article titled “Brand-new PMA ‘sup’ retires in five months.” Last Thursday, Lt. Gen. Irineo Espino relinquished his post as Philippine Military Academy superintendent after barely five months on the job.
Last SaturdaY, the Philippine Military Academy held its annual general membership meeting at Camp Aguinaldo with Interior Secretary Mar Roxas as guest of honor.
Just in case our readers may not be familiar with the term, “sup” refers to the superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy, the head of the nation’s premier military institution.
I feel very happy for Philippine Military Academy cadet Alfonso Aviles and his family. I saw his picture in the newspaper—standing, stable and smiling. I followed his story because his act was a rare display of bravery for one so young, someone who dreams of becoming a soldier. I am a frustrated wannabe PMAer, having enrolled in a Journalism course instead.
The first law passed by the National Assembly of the Philippine Commonwealth in December 1935 was the National Defense Act (CA No. 1).
Last week we wrote on the recent graduation of PMA Class 2012, providing some background on the establishment of the Philippine Military Academy. The school traces its beginnings to the Academia Militar ng Pilipinas founded in October 1898, pursuant to a decree of the president of the First Philippine Republic, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.
In terms of support from the Filipino taxpayer, no institution in the land comes close to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Everything a cadet needs—uniforms, clothing, food, shelter, transport, books and instructors, training and sports facilities, medical care, including a modest monthly stipend—is provided for by our people. In return, they dedicate the best years of their lives, if not life itself, in the service of country. Through the years, the Academy has been a source of great pride and satisfaction for the nation. At times, it has also been a source of sadness and dismay.
First Lt. Vladimir Maninang, 27, witnessed life’s hardship even at a young age. As a child, he helped his father tend their farm and raise pigs to provide for his poor family. He was a consistent honor student in school. After graduating from high school he was admitted to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and [...]
