PMA cadets hold outreach program in Pagasa Island

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April 12, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s future military leaders and officers visited Pagasa Island in the West Philippine Sea last week for a community event, which also allowed them to feel and experience how life would be once they join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and take on the task of defending the country’s territory and sovereignty.

Philippine Military Academy First Class Cadets, belonging to the “TALANG DANGAL” class of 2026, led an outreach program for residents of the municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan on April 6.

The activity marked the culminating event of the cadets’ on-the-job training and Officer Preparatory Course, and was designed to expose the graduating cadets to the realities of the operational environment.

Lt. Commander Jesse Nestor Saludo, PMA public affairs office chief, said the visit “deepened their understanding of the strategic significance of Pagasa Island and the Kalayaan Island Group, while strengthening their appreciation of territorial defense and the joint roles of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy in safeguarding the country’s territory and sovereignty.”

For the deployment, the cadets boarded the BRP Tarlac, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Nelson Aluad, Commandant of Cadets and Head of Mission, with support from the Philippine Navy, AFP Western Command, Western Naval Command and the Philippine Fleet.

Saludo said the activity provided the cadets with valuable firsthand exposure, as they prepare to assume their roles as future officers of the AFP.

Alongside the operational visit, the cadets also conducted an outreach program for the island community where they engaged in recreational activities with children, carried out a PMA cadetship recruitment campaign and shared inspirational stories with parents and high school students, benefiting more than 200 people.

Saludo said the cadets also turned over 50 armchairs to Pagasa Integrated School, provided medical supplies to the rural health unit and extended livelihood support to the community through a contribution from the members of PMA Class 2026.