Iloilo City—More applicants are expected to be able to take up the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) entrance examination here on August 26 with the lowering of the height requirement from 5’4” for male and 5’2” for female to 5 feet.

Aspirants are expected to arrive at the Lapaz National High School early morning with proctors from the PMA facilitating the examination where last year had 185 examinees from 277 applicants.

According to the PMA leadership, the changes in the height requirement came about when it was observed during the conduct of the Limited Physical Examination in different exam centers, that many are denied the chance to go through the first phase of the selection process, solely for the reason of not meeting the height requirement.

The PMA also said that with the previous height requirement, many Filipino youth, who have good educational background and are physically fit are disenfranchised from the opportunity of being able to take the entrance examination conducted nationwide.

The adjustment expects an increase in the pool where the best candidate for PMA cadetship will be selected.

The PMA also said that in order to address one of the major issues that usually deters interested applicants from entering the Academy, Its leadership made a firm stand on its policy against maltreatment in the Cadet Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines by advocating a “Zero Tolerance on Maltreatment”, adhereing to the respect for human rights and observing the principles of International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law.

Aside from the height requirement, a candidate should be: a Natural-born Filipino citizen, physically fit and of good moral character, single and has never been married, at least high school graduate, no administrative/criminal case, must pass the PMAEE, and should have been born from April 1, 1991 to April 1, 1996.

“This lowering of height requirement while maintaining the high standards will open up an opportunity to more equally competent aspirants”, said Mgen Jose Z. Mabanta Jr., Commander of the Army’s 3ID.

The PMA website said that "Being a PMA cadet gives an individual a noble privilege in serving the country. One is able to avail of a free college education with a well-rounded curriculum as well as receive monthly salary and allowances. After graduating from the Academy, one is guaranteed of a job a progressive career as an officer in the Army, Navy or Air Force."

Application is still ongoing and may be made online thought the PMA website at www.pma.ph or at http://admission.pma.ph/