‘Mistahs’ return to PMA grounds for homecoming

Photo by Jhoanna Ballaran/INQUIRER.net

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City—Top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) returned to the grounds of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Saturday to recall their lives as former cadets and now “mistahs” of the country’s premier military school as it celebrates its annual alumni gathering.

Former soldiers in President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet, senators, congressmen, and other ranking government officials are set to join the annual gathering, which is expected to draw about 2,000 alumni and their families, according to the PMA information office.

The word “mistah” is widely and universally used by all graduates of the PMA. It generally refers to a classmate or batchmate.

Some of the top uniformed officials who are expected to join the celebration are PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr., Navy Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad, and Philippine Coast Guard chief Commandant Elson Hermogino

Cabinet officials Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu, and Interior Officer-in-Charge Sec. Eduardo Año are also expected to grace the homecoming.

Senators Panfilo Lacson, Antonio Trillanes IV, and Gregorio Honasan; Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop (2nd District) and Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano will also take part in the celebration.

This year’s guest of honor is casino and port magnate Enrique Razon Jr., an adopted member of PMA class 1988.

Former AFP Chief of Staff and former senator Rodolfo Biazon will also be conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award during the homecoming.

Ten PMA alumni will also each receive the Cavalier Award, the highest recognition given to a PMA alumnus or alumna with outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

To receive the Cavalier Award are the following:

Cav. Domingo B. Palisoc, PMA 1984, for Command and Administration

Cav Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr. (1985), Command and Administration

Cav. Robert M. Arevalo (1985), Staff Functions

Cav. Ronald Anthony C. Go (1985), Private Enterprise

Cav. Eugenio C. Boquio (1992), Army Operations

Cav. Jonnel C. Estomo (1992) Police Operations

Cav. Juario C. Marayag, (1993) Naval Operations

Cav. Loreto B. Pasamonte (1993), Air Operations

Cav. Hostillo Arturo E. Cornelio  (1995), Coast Guard Operations

Cav. Dennis Guillermo ( 2000) Special Operations

The three-day homecoming celebration started on Thursday and would end on Saturday, snarling traffic in Baguio City.    /muf