On Feb. 18, 2017, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Association celebrated its annual alumni homecoming in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City, with no less than President Roa Duterte as the guest of honor and speaker. This yearly event brings alumni from all parts of the country and around the globe to the hallowed grounds of our alma mater.
Every homecoming is replete with pomp and pageantry that reflect the rich military traditions of the PMA.
The reminiscences of cadet life reinvigorate the wellspring of professionalism and excellence that are associated with its graduates.
In the light of the major changes and developments in the external environment, particularly modern technology and geo-political realities, the question has been asked often enough: is PMA still relevant? Is it still a wise investment worth supporting with taxpayer money, or has it lost its unique value?
This question becomes even more urgent in the light of the involvement of some PMA alumni in unprofessional conduct.
These questions can best be answered by reflecting on the foundation of the institution. Is it still solid and stable? In investment parlance, is the quality of the portfolio still attractive to its investors, the nation?
PMAyers, by virtue of their training and character development, are exemplars of discipline and repository of excellent leadership skills.
As cadets and later as active military and police professionals, their lives have been all about strict adherence to rules and regulations where the margin of deflection almost approaches perfection.
Throughout the four incomparable years, mere excess demerits, deficiency in academics, failure in physical fitness, and more importantly violation of the honor system are reasons for dismissal and expulsion. They went through a process of stiff competition in all aspects of cadet life, which emphasized exceptional achievement and shunned mediocrity.
The focal point of every purpose was and will always be the accomplishment of the mission. It can be assumed that only the best and the brightest, the cream of the youth of the land can claim membership.
Every graduate passed through a process that molded them into warriors, leaders, public servants.
PMA demands unconditionally that its graduates swear to dedicate thought, word and deed in service to God, country and people.
This sacred vow demands loyalty to flag without any reservation. Offering of life as an investment instrument to the nation is priceless.
Because of this sacred vow, the nation has enjoyed the fruits of an enlightened and enduring state of peace and security that has enabled the nation to move forward, and for the political, social, and economic processes to proceed in a normal mode.
The world will turn many more times, advances in technology will revolutionize social and cultural values, but the attributes of courage, loyalty, and integrity will remain immutable and relevant under all seasons and generations.
The exacting standards of performance have ensured that every graduate is primed and ready to hold the mantle of leadership in the military and police services.
The character and training imbued in them are the tools and instruments of efficiency, effectiveness and meritocracy in public and private service.
From time to time though, some of its graduates are involved in unprofessional conduct. Incidents that are regrettable and deplorable. The PMA Alumni Association has stated in the strongest terms its disgust and intolerance of such unacceptable behavior. The association has imposed strict and severe sanctions on these erring alumni.
No institution is perfect, nor infallible. There is always a chance for a deviation from the standards. Even in a manufacturing concern, a certain percentage become rejects or are below par in quality.
With this in mind, the presence of these undesirable alumni is not a reason to castigate the entire institution.
It needs utmost understanding. It also portrays the strong influence that the external environment can impose on individual conduct.
Furthermore, many factors obtaining in the real world are uncontrollable. They are facts of life, such as political intervention, economic necessity, personal ambitions and many more.
This is not a justification of deviant behavior from any alumni, but rather a nod of support for the necessity of continuous reforms and periodic review of the military and police services in order to reduce the factor of graft and abuse of authority.
It is a national collective effort that will play the role of check and balance and complement whatever shortcomings and limitations the military educational system may have. Four years is not sufficient to change the world. Sunk cost is natural in whatever form of investment.
In spite of the remarkable changes occurring in the present and future generations, PMA will continue to be relevant and useful to the nation. It shall continue to be the wellspring of hope that will further strengthen the democratic process, guard our freedom and liberties, and make the republic stronger and responsive.
The PMA continues to undergo changes in curriculum, training mode, calibrating and balancing its customs and traditions consistent with the advent of new technology and adjusting to the social and cultural development in society.
These changes will facilitate intellectual growth, opening up new thinking and encouraging innovation, all of which will allow change and transformation to take root. In the light of all these reforms, understanding and open-mindedness from the public and all the stakeholders would be the best way to support the institution that has been the breeding ground of brave and visionary leaders.
“When bells for us rung and our last taps is sung, let generation see our country free” “PMA, Oh Hail To Thee” the alma mater song.
These sacred words connect and reconnect all alumni from the past to the future, affirming the perpetual responsibility that goes beyond their lifetime. A collective task to lead and defend, for the rest to follow in their footsteps. A strong assurance that the nation will continue to enjoy freedom and liberty. It is a forthright responsibility, unequivocal, distinct.
This awesome role is measured in terms of the state of security and stability of the nation under extreme conditions of war and conflict; they who have been trained to lead will provide the strength and motivation for all citizens to rally behind the flag.
They who have been imbued with discipline and respect for authority will manifest and nurture the spirit of nationalism and patriotism so that they in turn can inspire and infect a whole nation, to generate the momentum needed for victory.
What better metrics can you use to evaluate the cost of educating a single alumni and the service that he gives to the nation. Giving life and limb, sacrificing family in favor of the service, being modestly compensated, harassed and intimidated by the power that be, and occasional ridicule of political forces. The service, the sacrifice, the selfless dedication. How does one put a number, a value even, for every life devoted singularly to defending the very ideals that our country stands for?
In conclusion, investment in favor of national security cannot be compromised, nor devalued. It is an investment that nurtures and cradles national existence.
The social, political, and economic returns are directly proportional to the level of importance that is allocated to the security agenda, which defines the quality and state of the country.
In the total scheme of things, that investment is not only priceless, it is also imperative to preserving that which so many have fought and died for.
(The article reflects the personal opinion of the author and does not reflect the official stand of the Management Association of the Philippines or MAP. The author is a member of the M.A.P. National Issues Committee and presently part-time professorial lecturer at UP Diliman and director, Graduate Studies at the Manuel L. Quezon University. Feedback at <map@map.org.ph> and <jaime_dlsantos@yahoo.com; jimmydlsantos@gmail.com>. For previous articles, please visit )