Philippine Military Academy Class
of 1978 History
Firstie Year 1977-78
- Now the ruling class
- Thus we were now left all alone to prove our worth as a class in
the maintenance of the traditions and
standards
of the Cadet Corps. Our reign proved to be challenging from the very start.
Foremost among the changes which were effected in the Corps was the revision
on the concept of the Fourthclass System. It was also during this time
that we were distributed into the six-lettered companies of Alfa, Bravo,
Charlie, Delta, Echo and Foxtrot. Weekend leaves were also granted to our
class to break the monotony of our remaining academic days. But again,
our class was tapped to receive the Class of 1981. This time, our experience
with the previous class which we handled, gave us the necessary techniques
on how to teach the new cadets, the techniques of everything. Thus, we
tried our very best to develop them into that kind of person who will soon
carry on the maintenance of the standards of the Cadet Corps. We ran with
them, hiked with them, played with them and worked with them.
- Basic Ranger Course
- Relieved by our secondclassmen, we had to undergo the Basic Ranger
Course. Becaue of the stories related to us by the previous classes who
had undergone the training, we had to do some morning exercises, roadruns,
etc...only to find out that we were already there, it was our second time
around as Plebes! So we went back to early morning roadruns, the army dozen
and double timing everytime we were out of a building. But our experience
as plebes gave us more than enough technique on how to go about such a
situation.
- Field Training at Mr. Sembrano
- The Scout Ranger Training Unit did their very best to train us.
When we had to crawl, they also crawled with us. When we had to swim, they
swam with us. With them we gave the credit of our knowledge in the night
navigation, the heliborne operation, waterborne operation, night reaction
firing, river crossing, the use of demolitions, the use of psychological
warfare, map reading and many more. But the training which all of us enjoyed
most was the urban guerilla slide rule operation. Then finally when we
were all prepared, we climbed what they call the playground of the rangers
- Mt. Sembrano in Rizal Province. Anyway, it was only 700 meters above
sea level! That marked our finale. We graduated as RANGERS!
- Back to Academics
- As we were all bound for the Academy, everyone had the feeling of
achievement and joy. We all were very happy recalling all those rotting
moments of ours. But as we entered the gates of Fort del Pilar, we were
again the Kings! As we donned the uniform of a cadet, we now looked more
mature in our ways. We were now ready to face the challenges of the days
to come. The first dose of firstclass academic subjects was not too much
of a burden to us. Many of us took it lightly while others had still to
burn their midnight oil. Events that transpired was just routine. Then
all the while now, everybody was busy packing their things for the Testimonial
Parade for the President. This time, the Cadet Corps was going down for
a very important goal - that of proving to everybody that the Cadet Corps
is still the best in all aspects. Our efforts paid off when the event was
all over. So after that, we once again went back to our academics.
- Last 100 days, Manila trip
- Slowly the 100th Nite Show was approaching. We felt really that
to be a firstclassman is no joke. We all tried our very best to please
the audience. Because of the cooperation of our underclasses, our show
proved to be a very successful one. That was really a show our class could
always look back to and boast about. After our presentation, we hurriedly
packed our things and procceeded to Manila just in time to catch the last
rehearsal for the AFP Day affair. This was our last parade as cadets in
Manila.
- Then also for the last time, we spent our last Christmas vacation
as cadets. And as we travelled back our steps to the academy, it was the
year of 1978. This is it!
- After our academics, we underwent a Home Defense Course. It was
just a few days from our dreams. Every Makatarungan was eager to wear the
uniform of an officer and try to see how he looks.
- Graduation Day - the end and beginning
- Then finally, the day came. We no longer were cadets as the President
of the Philippines gave each and everyone his diploma. His salute finally
awakened us from that temporary awe. But as we leave the portals of the
Philippine Military Academy, we, the members of the Makatarungan Class
of 1978 will always cherish in our hearts what the President has said:
"I wish to pay tribute to an ideal, and this is the ideal of excellence.
For it is in the pursuit of this ideal that has given the Philippine Military
Academy its great prestige."
- Thus, we finally turned a new chapter in our lives...always looking
back to the ideals of the Academy of, "COURAGE, INTEGRITY, LOYALTY."
- To you, our Alma Mater........we will never fail you!