Philippine Military Academy "MABIKAS" Class 1996

Being the eldest in the family of all BOYS (6 brothers), it is also my destiny to become a member of last Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class composed of all boys, the PMA "Mabikas" Class of 1996.

The PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY Class of 1996 is named "MABIKAS". The English translation of the word MABIKAS is "WELL-DRESSED". Indeed, we are well-dressed with distinct historic events and activities. Some of them are:

1. The PMA Class of 1996 has the distinction of being the last PMA Class whose members are ALL MALES. We are dubbed as "THE LAST BOYS FROM THE BARRACKS." 

2. The class has the fewest number of graduates in the 1990's with only 114.

3. The class is the second recipient of the "TRI-SERVICE SYSTEM" after its implementation for the Class of 1995. The system is designed for the cadets to select their branch of service during the second year in the academy. They have to choose between the ARMY, NAVY and the AIR FORCE. During the third year in the academy, cadets will attend orientation and educational tours peculiar to their selected branch of service.

4. The AIR FORCE GROUP of the Class has the distinction of being the first ever class to be trained as MILITARY PILOTS at RAJAH BUAYAN AIR STATION in GENERAL SANTOS CITY.

5. There are many other important records and endeavors that the class embedded in PMA history that will be included in the updates of this blog.

The picture was taken during the PMA Alumni Association General Assembly in 2011.

AIR FORCE GROUP

There are 39 members of the class who joined the AIR FORCE. As mentioned, we hold the record of being the first Military Pilot Training Class who underwent our pre-solo and soloing stages of training in RAJAH BUAYAN AIR STATION located at the GENERAL SANTOS CITY.

Out of the 39 members, 11 joined the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing to become Huey Pilots, 8 joined the Air Education and Training Command to become Instructor Pilots, 8 joined the 220th Airlift Wing to become Transport aircraft pilots and 12 joined the 15th Strike Wing to become either as MD-520G aircraft or OV-10 bronco aircraft pilots.

At present, there are only 10 members who are still in the active service who are all LIEUTENANT COLONELS. Majority for those in the active service are strategically assigned at the Headquarters Philippine Air Force and other Offices within Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Members of the AIR FORCE GROUP have also the distinction of having achieved in every aspect in the profession of arms and even outside the service. One became the AIDE-DE-CAMP of the PRESIDENT of the Philippines or the Commander-In-Chief of the AFP. Another member became the Aide-de-Camp of the Secretary of National Defense. Several members became Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of Staff, AFP. The group also contributed the most number of members who were assigned at the Office of the Commanding General as Executive Assistant, Administrative Officer, Aide-e-Camp and Security Officer. 

Three members of the group already joined our creator while serving our country as PILOTS. The first casualty is MOSHE VERGARA when the ill-fated NOMAD plane where he is a co-pilot crashed in the waters near PALAWAN. The second casualty is JUNIE AMATONG who met an accident while flying the OV-10 Bronco and BAY ALEGATA who died in a crashed while flying the BELL Helicopter. They are the brave members of the Class who offered the supreme sacrifice in the name of selfless service to God, Country, and People. We are deeply honored to be their "MISTAHS" and they will forever be treasured in our HEARTS.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

NAVY

TO BE UPDATED

ARMY

TO BE UPDATED

AIRLINE PILOTS

TO BE UPDATED

OTHER PROFESSIONS

TO BE UPDATED

CAVALIER AWARDEES

TO BE UPDATED

TO BE CONTINUED...