PMA Yearlings wow Dabawenyos of their silent drill

DAVAO CITY, April 23 (PIA) Ninety two cadets of the Philippine Military Academy Class 2016 started entertaining the city residents by performing silent drills as their primary activity during the Davao leg of their southern cruise at the open field of the University of Southeastern Philippines Tuesday.

2Lt.  Chrstin Joan Pamplona, community relations officer of the Task Force Davao said the cadets will also be performing 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in the cities of Panabo and Tagum, respectively on April 24.

She said the cadets will also show their wares l10:00 am on Thursday, April 25, at the Central Elementary School, Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in the cities of Panabo and Tagum, respectively.

Pamplona said the cadets will also proceed to Davao del Sur to perform in Digos City at 10 a.m. then Sta. Cruz at 2 p.m. on April 26.

“These future soldiers are composed of Third Class Cadets, sophomores in civilian universities called the "yearlings" in the academy,” she  said.

She said the yearling will adjust to life as an upper class man after they have finished the course as Fourth Class Cadets and are given the privilege to have a tour.

Pamplona said it is rare to see PMA cadets perform silent drills in Davao City, since most of their time is spent at the academy in Baguio City.

She said that one of PMA's goals in coming to Davao is to encourage the residents to be part of the organization.

Pamplona said the yearlings are also scheduled to meet with other units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and with local government units for about a week and will head back home on Saturday, April 27.

Colonel Casiano Monilla, commander of the TF Davao hoped that the silent drill will persuade the younger generation to be part of the professional soldiery in the future.

“This is a great opportunity, not only for Davaoeños, but also for the cadets, as well. They will gain a lot from this experience and at the same time filling memories of their young careers, knowing that they are able to perform to the residents of Davao,” he said.  (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)