WestMinCom welcomes PMA cadets visiting Zamboanga City

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (May 14, 2017) - Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) were welcomed by the men and women of the Western Mindanao Command, headed by Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., as they arrived for a five-day tour of the various military installations and landmarks in the city on Thursday (May 11), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Information Officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the “Southern Tour” was conducted to orient the 284 PMA second-class cadets of the military units under the WestMinCom and provide them a better view of the AFP and PNP organization. The activity also aims to assist the cadets, who will graduate in 2019, as they choose their branch of service.

Cpt. Petinglay said that at 10:30am Thursday, the PMA officers, cadets’ class officers, and company marchers were welcomed by the men and women of the WestMinCom as they paid a courtesy call to the WestMinCom Commander, LtGen. Carlito G Galvez, Jr, in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City.

An information briefing and a boodle fight with the cadets were subsequently conducted at the WestMinCom Khadaffy mansion auditorium, she added.

"The cadets also visited Edwin Andrew Air base and the Naval Forces Western Mindanao camp yesterday for the capability demonstrations prepared by the Navy and the Airforce," says LtGen. Galvez.

"The visit to the camps will help them decide which branch of service they will chose to career," LtGen Galvez adds.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the cadets were also welcomed by Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar during their call to the local chief executive at the Zamboanga City Hall at 1pm on that day.

They will also have a tour of the different landmarks in the city during their stay. Booths will be displayed at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga and City Mall from May 12 to 14, 2017.

Cpt. Petinglay further said that an interaction with the invited students from the different universities in Zamboanga City also happened at the WestMinCom gymnasium. It was followed by a silent drill presentation at the command parade ground inside Camp Navarro at 4pm.

"These PMA cadets are the future leaders of our Armed Forces. PMA ensures that these cadets be exposed to areas that will help them achieve their full potential," adds the WestMinCom Chief.

"The visit will culminate in a traditional hop or fellowship with the Zamboanguenos at the Centro Latino. The cadets will be allowed to improve their social skills with the members of the host LGU, Zamboanga City, the officers of PRO9, and the officers of WestMinCom."

"Their five-day tour here in Zamboanga will surely be remembered as one of the most fun and most exciting."

"Zamboanga City was chosen to be one of the destinations because it is multi-culturally diverse. The cadets will be exposed to the different cultures just in one venue and it makes Zamboanga City very beautiful and educational to visit," LtGen Galvez said.

Cpt. Petinglay further added that on Monday (May 15), the cadets will leave for Davao City to continue their tour. However, a silent drill presentation will be presented to the Zamboanguenos on Sunday at 4PM at the grounds of Paseo del Mar.