MANILA, Philippines – When the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cut its height requirement for applicants, something else rose.

It got its highest number of aspirants since it began online registrations over 5 years ago, the PMA said Saturday, August 25, the eve of the Philippine Military Exams. The PMA said 15,647 registered for the exams as of Friday, August 24.

And it even expects 3,000 to 5,000 walk-in applicants on examination day, Sunday, August 26.

Last year, in comparison, 15,873 applicants took the test – with 1,120 of them passing and 123 rising as appointed cadets.

The PMA attributed the increase in applicants to “institutional reforms” in the academy. These include the lowering of the minimum height requirement and a “no maltreatment” policy.

“For this year, we are expecting an increase in the number of applicants brought by the lowering of the minimum height requirement to 5 feet. The widening of the pool of cadet candidates assures a deep selection of those who possess the qualifications PMA is looking for in its cadets,” said PMA Superintendent Major General Nonato Peralta Jr.

The PMA lowered its height requirement to 5 feet in July. Previously, it was 5 feet, 4 inches for men, and 5 feet, 2 inches for women.

Other reforms

Peralta also said other reforms, like its Zero Tolerance to Maltreatment program, have proved attractive for applicants. It shows the “staunch and resolute commitment of the academy to eradicate hazing in the cadet corps,” he added.

He also cited the ongoing modernization and upgrades within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He said President Benigno Aquino III, for example, allocated over P28-B for the AFP Modernization Program after only a year and 7 months – matching the P33-B set aside for it in the past 15 years.

“And we’re only getting started: if our proposed AFP Modernization bill is passed in Congress, we will be able to allocate P75-B for defense within the next 5 years,” Aquino said in his State of the Nation Address last July.

The PMA said this year’s successful examinees will make up the PMA Class of 2017, and eventually be the first beneficiaries of AFP’s future defense acquisitions. This will enable the Philippines to achieve a minimum credible defense posture – something the Philippines needs in territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

In an earlier interview, Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario explained a minimum credible defense posture means equipment and structures to monitor Philippine shores, and ships to deter territorial incursions.

“We hope that with the significant headways in our modernization and capability upgrade program, more youths who aspire to be in the military service particularly those who dream of becoming professional soldiers, pilots, and sailors will be motivated to take the examination,” AFP chief of staff General Jessie Dellosa said.

The PMA said excellent recruits will eventually help improve the AFP, an institution badly in need of reforms. – Rappler.com