Cadets Definition of Core Values

Every person in this world has different definition and instruction regarding their own respective core values. Here in the Philippine Military Academy, we are taught to practice excellence, chivalry, humility, and dignity while we instill the values of Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty; under the sole purpose of the Honor Code.

In PMA, we have nine (9) core values that serve as our corner foundation as a cadet. These are: Honor, Integrity, Courage, Duty, Respect, Humility, Excellence, Solidarity, and Loyalty. These foundations have something to do to our future job – officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Honor. Per the definition rendered by PMA, Department of Leadership, under the umbrella of Values Enhancement Program: Honor is our crowning value as it is more precious than life itself. It is the hallmark of our military conduct, which implies our clear consciousness of personal dignity and worth. We associate it with good reputation, and is the immortal, sacred part of our character, the violation of which should bring about shame in us and the dignity to impose on ourselves the requisite restitution. As I have mentioned at the latter part of this blog, Honor Code is the cadets’ basic law. As the saying goes, “You take our Honor, and you take our life”. Honor is the most important thing for us, cadets; for it is the product of our 4-year sacrifice and hardship at the PMA. It is where our lives, as cadets, revolves. Honor code separates us from the other academy and university, whereas it preserves our dignity and conscience. To me, being an honorable person is much better, than being a liar, cheater, thief, or any of the likes under the bad and wrong habits and values of humans.

Integrity. From the Latin word, “Integritas”, teaches us, cadets, to choose our thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain (PMA, VEP). It teaches us to be a good leader not only by leading through example but also staying congruent to our decisions as a leader. Integrity is all about showing what you are, rather than faking your attitude which will not fit your true identity and behavior.

Courage. By definition: Courage is valor in the physical realm. Valor is the power, the strength, and the ability to overcome fear in performing a mission and to accomplish what is seemingly impossible. It is all about doing everything in your power and capacity to accomplish a mission or a challenge; despite of all the impediments that one is facing. Courage teaches us strong and tells us to hold our ground and be still.

Duty. Duty is the value of obedience and disciplined performance despite difficult and danger defined by PMA, Department of Leadership under VEP. In the world of command, duty may be the most important thing that a soldier must observe. In PMA, cadets are molded in accomplishing duties as part of their training to become future leaders of the AFP. This is very important because if it is not properly done or taken care of, then the core mission of the AFP, to protect the sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines and making sure that our families and loved ones sleep sound and safe, will be compromised.

Respect. In plain and simple language, respect is all about giving highest regard to something or someone. Some say that respect is earned and not given. On the other hand, some will disagree and say respect is deserved by everyone of us. To me, respect is both earned and demanded. It must not only be earned or only be demanded by someone. It must be both; they go together and shall not be separated by someone or something.

Humility. It came from the Latin word, “Humus”, which means soil. Humility speaks about putting yourself on the ground; not literally put yourself on the ground or soil but be humble. In the Bible, we were taught that humans are made out of soil or clay. That is why the term HUMAN is coined because the word humus means soil. Stay on the ground and be humble.

Excellence. To me, excellence has no quality check. Excellence is a personal thing and must not pass the standard of the society or anyone. Excellence is all about giving everything through your capacity as an individual. If you know that your gave your very best, that for me is the true definition of excellence.

Solidarity. In short and simple language, it is all about straying compact and solid. As a leader, you mjst make sure that your team stays compact and stands in only one agreement. Despite of our cultural differences, the members of the AFP stands and agree in one mission, that is to make sure that they protect the interest of the Philippines and make sure that our families and loved ones sleep sound and safe.

Loyalty. It is all about giving yourself to something or someone. We are Filipinos, we are expected to abide by the rules and regulations set by the present administration and those which are written in the present constitution of the Philippines, the 1987 Philippine Constitution. As a Filipino, I will be familiar with the constitution of the Philippines, especially my rights and obligations as a Filipino citizen. As a cadet, I can show my loyalty to my alma mater, the Philippine Military Academy, by practicing and instilling the values of the Honor Code.

References: Department of Leadership; powerpoint presentation of Values Enhancement Program.