BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – Members of the Philippine Military Academy Host Parents Association Inc. (PMAHPAI) open their homes to the new batch of cadets for them to have a foster family in Baguio City at the country’s premier military academy.
On June 22, foster parents met and welcomed their wards from the 318-strong PMA Class of 2027 during the PMA Host Parents Day held at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.
PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen Rowen Tolentino, in his message, thanked the officers and members of the PMAHPAI for their continuing commitment to the PMA cadets, especially those from faraway parts of the country.
“I am thrilled to stand before you today to officially launch the host parent class program of the PMA Class 2027. This program aims to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to form meaningful connections and foster a sense of community for our cadets,” said Tolentino.
He added, “And as we gather here today, I am reminded of the power of human relations and connections.”
Tolentino said that the PMA Host Parents aims to bring together individuals who are willing to open their hearts and homes to the cadets.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the PMAHPAI Board of Trustees chairperson, cited the importance of the Host Parents program in shaping the life and career of the PMA cadets. He called for a continuing partnership and commitment of the PMA host parents in nurturing the future leaders of the country.
“Together, let us forge ahead with unwavering resolve and unity of purpose,” said Magalong, a PMA alumnus.
For 45 years, the PMA Host Parent program has provided thousands of cadets a “home away from home,” a home during weekend breaks and a family in Baguio City.
Meanwhile, the PMAHPAI elected their new sets of officers with Magalong as chairperson, Tolentino as co–chairperson, Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda as vice chairperson, Leimara Phitaka as secretary, Milagros Cardona as treasurer, and Bernard Briones as auditor.
The Board of Trustees are BGen. Ramon Flores, Lt. Col Richard Dinayugan, Helen Tibaldo, Freddy Alquiroz, Erwin Luga, Gladys Vergara, Eugene Valbuena, Joy Cuscato, Carmelita Usman and Noemi Tagudar.
The PMAHPAI also awarded a plaque of recognition to its outstanding members who have been serving as host parent to PMA cadets for 15 years and above with the longest host parent providing family care to PMA cadets for 40 years. (CCD-PIA CAR)
