BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido underlined the significance of the unique handshake to the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
The PMA Corps of Cadets recognized the 298 -strong and proud members of the PMA MANDARAIG (Mandirigmang may Dangal, Respeto, at Integridad ang Gabay) Class of 2027 at Fort Gregorio H. del Pilar in Baguio City, on Saturday, May 4.
The MANDARAIG Class joined the military service during their reception on June 2023.
The Recognition Rites is a pivotal moment in the plebes’ lives done with a simple handshake and the plebe addressing his upperclassmen’s rank and last name. A symbol of how the gap between the upperclassmen and the plebes is bridged after being recognized as official members of the Corps of Cadets.
In his message, Galido said there are two very important handshakes in cadetship: the first is the handshake during recognition rites, and the second is during graduation rites.
He emphasized that this is not a simple handshake, especially the recognition handshake, because this is anchored in the ideals of the academy.
“You may feel that this is a simple handshake but this handshake of recognition establishes the interpersonal relationship, the camaraderie, and the esprit de corps that PMA will always remember, a handshake that is anchored on the ideals that the academy is always striving for, courage, integrity and loyalty,” Galido said.
Galido added that the cadets must cherish this handshake because it cannot be taken away and cannot be felt by those who are not members of the so-called long gray line.
From their training on June 1, 2023 up to this date, the PMA has created the proper environment for the plebes to become better person, and them receiving the recognition handshake means that they have met the standards of the Cadet Corps, the Army chief said.
“The environment that PMA created assured that you have developed skills and the character, attitude, most importantly, the aptitude for the service. You are just on your fist stage, you have a long way to go but I’m sure, the foundation is very strong.”
He likewise reminded the cadets to be guided by honor, respect, and integrity, and to live by these values in every facet of their service.
The recognition rites is just the beginning of a more challenging cadetship but will definitely make the cadets stronger officers in the future, Galido added. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR) (Photos: PMA)
