Homesick PMA cadets find comfort, warmth from host parents

By Helen R. Tibaldo

BAGUIO CITY – Now, homesick cadets of the Philippine Military Academy here, from distant parts of the country, can find succor and warmth from their “parents.”

Not their biological parents however, but couples of this mountain resort who have volunteered to look after them like they were their children.

     

About 87 host parents provided a "home away from home" to 181 cadet wards during the launching of the Baguio-PMA (Philippine Military Academy) Host Parents Program on July 28 at Fort Gen Gregorio H. del Pilar, here.
     

The launching started with an open house where the cadets’ barracks were opened to their foster parents to show how they live.

     

A testimonial - parade-in-review of cadets, together with the oath taking of host parents followed.
     

The Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Baguio-PMA Host Parents Association, Inc. (BPMAHPAI) sealed the partnership with a pledge of commitment of member-host parents to help their cadet wards in their social and cultural development, and to bring the people of Baguio closer to the military.
     

Representing PMA Superintendent Nonato Peralta Jr., Brigadier General Nicanor Vibar, said this program complements what they have inside the academy that provides well-rounded exposure for the cadets to become future leaders of the country.
     

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan, BPMAHPAI chairman, said that the host parents program upholds its tradition to provide a transition of adjustment serving as a family other than the biological parents and siblings of the cadets.
     

As host parents, they act as guardians who monitor their cadet wards at the academy, guide and provide them the moral support, and ensure their successful completion of the PMA course.

     

They help develop the characters of the future officers and uphold good values for love of God, righteousness, respect, humility and integrity.
     

Cadet wards, on the other hand, act the way sons or daughters relate with their parents.

     

They may visit their host parents during leaves or privileges.
     

The program recognizes the vital role of both cadets and host parents to share mutual influence in their lives.