Aerospace Cadets of the Philippines
Encyclopedia
The Aerospace Cadets of the Philippines or ACP program is a co-educational youth program oriented in aerospace
technology, whose aim is to promote national enthusiasm in aviation among the youth and to train them to meet the requirements for leadership and civic service through aerospace
education and military training.
On December 28, 1977, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (presently the Department of Education
) established the ACP program as a substitute for Citizen Army Training requirements.
By 1983, five schools were affiliated with the ACP program, making it a requirement in their curriculum for all students whose citizenship is Filipino, and today, male and female Filipino students of the five ACP-affiliated schools take ACP as one of their subjects.
, César Basa
and Antonio Bautista
)
These are the ranks of ACP, from highest to lowest:
However, it is also possible to become a medic, flag bearer (also known as a guidon bearer), or member of the air police or marching band of the ACP. Most students begin at the lowest rank, Cadet New Recruit, when they begin ACP at their school. It is possible for a Cadet to ascend in ranks if the Cadet’s performance is excellent, and it is also possible to receive demotions and lower the rank of a Cadet if he performs poorly or disrespects his commanding officer.
. For example, Cadets are punished if they run during the playing or singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Cadets are likewise punished even more severely for disrespecting the Philippine Flag (Letting any portion of the flag touch the ground is worthy of a demotion). Cadets are encouraged to sing the National Anthem with pride. Cadets are also encouraged to recite the Panatang Makabayan
and the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat
, as well as sing their school's alma mater
song with zest and valor.
, ACP requires students to learn military commands, drills, punishments, the military alphabet, and obedience to the commanding officer. Commands are mostly in Tagalog
, such as ‘Manumbalik', 'Humanay', 'Tikas', 'Paluwag', 'Pasulong', "Lihis pakanan/pakaliwa", 'Liko pakanan/pakaliwa', 'Kaliwang/ Kanang panig'. Cadets also learn how to handle an M16 rifle
(However, guns are forbidden in schools, so replicas of M16 rifles are used instead), and the proper use of sabers. ACP requires students to wear a military uniform (Known in some schools as General Officers Attire or GOA, and in others as General Officers Uniform or GOU), which is inspected every training day (this includes the proper military haircut of the boys and hair do for girls). Also, ACP cadets have their own Cadet Oath and Honor Code, which must be memorized.
This form of military training is said to give a sense of nationalism and instill self-discipline (the highest form of discipline) in the youth. It is currently so that the youth can be of service to the Philippines.
Aerospace
Aerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
technology, whose aim is to promote national enthusiasm in aviation among the youth and to train them to meet the requirements for leadership and civic service through aerospace
Aerospace
Aerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
education and military training.
History
In March 1969, the Aerospace Association of the Philippines created the Aerospace Cadets of the Philippines. It was for young men and women who have a predilection towards aviation-related industries.On December 28, 1977, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (presently the Department of Education
Department of Education (Philippines)
The Department of Education , is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the management and governing of the Philippine system of basic education. It is the chief formulator of Philippine educational policy and is responsible for the Philippine primary and secondary...
) established the ACP program as a substitute for Citizen Army Training requirements.
By 1983, five schools were affiliated with the ACP program, making it a requirement in their curriculum for all students whose citizenship is Filipino, and today, male and female Filipino students of the five ACP-affiliated schools take ACP as one of their subjects.
Logo
The official logo of the Aerospace Cadets of the Philippines consists of two triangles, one inside the other, with "AEROSPACE CADETS OF THE PHILIPPINES" written in between both triangles fringed with three stars. The inside triangle is blue with a white silhouette of the Philippines and a spaceship superimposed on it.Symbolism
- Triangle - this represents the 'holistic' personality of the youth, bred for courage, honor, loyalty, integrity, and purity to serve God, country and others.
- Three Sides - represent the three domains in the total formation of the youth: knowledge, skills and values.
- Three Stars - The three geographical divisions of the Philippines: LuzonLuzonLuzon is the largest island in the Philippines. It is located in the northernmost region of the archipelago, and is also the name for one of the three primary island groups in the country centered on the Island of Luzon...
, the VisayasVisayasThe Visayas or Visayan Islands and locally known as Kabisay-an gid, is one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, along with Mindanao and Luzon. It consists of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea, although the Visayas are considered the northeast...
and MindanaoMindanaoMindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The other two are Luzon and the Visayas. The island of Mindanao is called The...
. - The Spaceship at the center of the Philippine map - The desire to stimulate the youth's dreams and aspirations to promote the aviation industry, hand-in-hand with the country's economic development and industrialization.
Colors
- White - honor, integrity, purity.
- Blue - patriotism, loyalty.
- Red - courage, bravery.
- Yellow - charity, truth, love.
- Green - justice, hope and awareness
Motto
The ACP motto is Study, Decide, Act. Some schools have also adopted mottos specific to their ACP wing, such as Learn and Serve for the ACP wing of Colegio San Agustin-Makati.Curriculum
The current program of instruction for ACP is 40% Aviation Education, and 60% Leadership, Citizenship and Military training.Aviation education
Under Aviation Education, students learn about the history of Aviation and current advancements in the field of Aviation technology. It also covers Philippine Aviation, and Philippine Air Force heroes (i.e. Jesús Villamor, Danilo AtienzaDanilo Atienza
Danilo S. Atienza was a Filipino pilot in the Philippine Air Force.Atienza started out as a Philippine Air Force cadet at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1974...
, César Basa
César Basa
César Fernando Basa was a Filipino pilot and hero of World War II. Born in 1915, he was one of the pioneer fighter pilots in the Philippine Air Force and the first Filipino casualty during World War II.-Death:...
and Antonio Bautista
Antonio Bautista
Antonio M. Bautista was a Filipino pilot of the Philippine Air Force.Colonel Antonio "Tony" Bautista was a pilot of the Philippine Air Force and died in action in 1974. In the early 1960s, known as the PAF's Glory Days, he was squadron commander to one of the PAF's aerial acrobatic teams, the...
)
Leadership
Students learn to value leadership by respecting their commanding officers, majority of which are students themselves who have earned their rank through training after school hours. Officers, likewise, have to learn not to abuse their power and learn humility, as well as leading by example.These are the ranks of ACP, from highest to lowest:
- Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (C/Lt Col.)
- Cadet Major (C/MAJ)
- Cadet Captain (C/CPT)
- Cadet First Lieutenant (C/1LT)
- Cadet Second Lieutenant (C/2LT)
- Cadet Probationary Second Lieutenant (C/P2LT)
- Cadet Master Sergeant (C/MSG)
- Cadet Technical Sergeant (C/TSG)
- Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSG)
- Cadet Sergeant (C/SGT)
- Cadet Airman/Airwoman First Class (C/A1C, C/AW1C)
- Cadet Airman/Airwoman Second Class (C/A2C, C/AW2C)
- Cadet Airman/Airwoman (C/AM, C/AW)
- Cadet New Recruit (C/NR)
However, it is also possible to become a medic, flag bearer (also known as a guidon bearer), or member of the air police or marching band of the ACP. Most students begin at the lowest rank, Cadet New Recruit, when they begin ACP at their school. It is possible for a Cadet to ascend in ranks if the Cadet’s performance is excellent, and it is also possible to receive demotions and lower the rank of a Cadet if he performs poorly or disrespects his commanding officer.
Citizenship
Cadets in the ACP learn patriotism and pride in their nationality, and are punished for disrespecting their homeland, the PhilippinesPhilippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. For example, Cadets are punished if they run during the playing or singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Cadets are likewise punished even more severely for disrespecting the Philippine Flag (Letting any portion of the flag touch the ground is worthy of a demotion). Cadets are encouraged to sing the National Anthem with pride. Cadets are also encouraged to recite the Panatang Makabayan
Panatang Makabayan
The Patriotic Oath is one of two national pledges of the Philippines, the other being the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag . It is commonly recited at school flag ceremonies, after the singing of the national anthem , but before the Pledge of Allegiance.Recitation of the pledge is...
and the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat
Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag is the pledge to the flag of the Philippines. It is one of two national pledges, the other being the Patriotic Oath, which is the Philippine national pledge....
, as well as sing their school's alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
song with zest and valor.
Military training
Being an extension of the Philippine Air ForcePhilippine Air Force
The Philippine Air Force is the air force of the Republic of the Philippines, and one of the three main services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas....
, ACP requires students to learn military commands, drills, punishments, the military alphabet, and obedience to the commanding officer. Commands are mostly in Tagalog
Tagalog language
Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken as a first language by a third of the population of the Philippines and as a second language by most of the rest. It is the first language of the Philippine region IV and of Metro Manila...
, such as ‘Manumbalik', 'Humanay', 'Tikas', 'Paluwag', 'Pasulong', "Lihis pakanan/pakaliwa", 'Liko pakanan/pakaliwa', 'Kaliwang/ Kanang panig'. Cadets also learn how to handle an M16 rifle
M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
(However, guns are forbidden in schools, so replicas of M16 rifles are used instead), and the proper use of sabers. ACP requires students to wear a military uniform (Known in some schools as General Officers Attire or GOA, and in others as General Officers Uniform or GOU), which is inspected every training day (this includes the proper military haircut of the boys and hair do for girls). Also, ACP cadets have their own Cadet Oath and Honor Code, which must be memorized.
This form of military training is said to give a sense of nationalism and instill self-discipline (the highest form of discipline) in the youth. It is currently so that the youth can be of service to the Philippines.
The first five schools to implement ACP
- Colegio San Agustin-Makati
- St. John's Academy
- FEATI UniversityFEATI UniversityFEATI University is a private non-sectarian co-educational higher education institution with a Catholic orientation established in 1946 in Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines. FEATI was formerly known as the Far Eastern Aeronautics School.-About FEATI:Dr. Salvador Araneta with his wife Dr...
- Las Piñas CollegeLas Piñas CollegeLas Piñas College is a school located in Pilar Village, Almanza, Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The college was established in 1975 by Dr. Faustino Legaspi Uy...
- Mindanao Aeronautical & Technical School
- De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde
- Nemesio Yabut Elementary School
- Paco Elementary School
- Pasay Elementary School
Schools that presently implement ACP
- Montessori de ManilaMontessori De ManilaMontessori De Manila is a preschool through high school program in Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, Philippines.-History:In 1986 Montessori De Manila was first registered with the Bureau of Domestic Trade as a pre-school, the purpose of which was to offer BF Homes residents an alternative educational...
, Las Piñas CityLas Piñas CityThe City of Las Piñas is a city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines... - South Crest SchoolSouth Crest SchoolSouth Crest School is a private primary and secondary educational institution in Muntinlupa City in the Philippines. It is situated between two subdivisions, Agro Homes and Soldiers' Hills, thus giving it two addresses: 101 Canary St, Agro Homes Subdivision, Putatan, Muntinlupa City and MBAI...
, Muntinlupa CityMuntinlupa CityThe City of Muntinlupa is the southernmost city in Philippine National Capital Region. It is bordered on the north by Taguig City; to the northwest by Parañaque City; by Las Piñas City to the west; to the southwest by the city of Bacoor, Cavite; by the city of San Pedro, Laguna; and by Laguna de... - La Consolacion College, Caloocan
- Lycée D'Regis Marie of Parañaque City
- La Consolacion College, Biñan, Laguna
- Manresa SchoolManresa SchoolManresa School is a private, co-educational Roman Catholic school in Parañaque City, Philippines.Established in 1971, Manresa School is run by the nuns of the Congregation of the Hijas de Jesús, founded by Candida Maria de Jesus in Salamanca, Spain on 8 December 1871.The philosophies of the...
, Parañaque CityParañaque CityThe City of Parañaque , or simply Parañaque , is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila in the Philippines.... - Caritas Don Bosco School, Biñan, Laguna
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Santolan, Pasig
- Mary Mother of God Parochial School, Muntinlupa CityMuntinlupa CityThe City of Muntinlupa is the southernmost city in Philippine National Capital Region. It is bordered on the north by Taguig City; to the northwest by Parañaque City; by Las Piñas City to the west; to the southwest by the city of Bacoor, Cavite; by the city of San Pedro, Laguna; and by Laguna de...
- St. John's Academy, San Juan City
- Elizabeth Seton School, Las Piñas CityLas Piñas CityThe City of Las Piñas is a city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines...
- Sto. Rosario Academy, Alupay, BatangasBatangasBatangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the...
- Our Lady of Mercy Academy, BatangasBatangasBatangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the...
- St. James Academy, Ibaan, BatangasBatangasBatangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the...
- Holy Family Academy, Padre Garcia, BatangasBatangasBatangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the...
- St. Joseph's Institute, Rosario, BatangasBatangasBatangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the...
- Joseph Marello Institute San Juan, BatangasSan Juan, BatangasSan Juan is a 1st class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. It occupies the easternmost portion of the province, 43 kilometers east of Batangas City, also the same distance southwest of Lucena City, Quezon, and 115 kilometers away from Manila...
- Angeles University Foundation - Integrated School Angeles CityAngeles CityThe City of Angeles , located within the province of Pampanga in the Philippines, is locally classified as a first-class, highly-urbanized city. Its name is derived from El Pueblo de los Ángeles in honor of its patron saints, Los Santos Ángeles de los Custodios , and the name of its founder, Don...
, PampangaPampangaPampanga is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region. Its capital is the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. Pampanga is bordered by the provinces of Bataan and Zambales to the west, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija to the north, and Bulacan to the southeast... - Maria Montessori School of Quezon City, Quezon CityQuezon CityQuezon City is the former capital and the most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. The city was named after Manuel L...
- Veritas Parochial School, Parañaque CityParañaque CityThe City of Parañaque , or simply Parañaque , is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila in the Philippines....
- Davao Wisdom Academy, Davao CityDavao CityThe City of Davao is the largest city in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Its international airport and seaports are among the busiest cargo hubs in the Philippines....
- Our Lady Of Loudes College Foundation, Daet, Camarines NorteDaet, Camarines NorteDaet, also known as the "Gateway to Bicolandia". A 1st class municipality in the province of Camarines Norte, Philippines. It is the capital municipality of Camarines Norte. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 94,184 or 18.33% of Camarines Norte's population. The current mayor of...
- San Isidro Catholic SchoolSan Isidro Catholic SchoolSan Isidro Catholic School is a Roman Catholic private school in Pasay City, the Philippines that teaches high school as well as elementary studentsBoy Scouts of the Philippines...
, Pasay CityPasay CityThe City of Pasay is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is bordered on the north by the country's capital, Manila, to the northeast by Makati City, to the east by Taguig City, and Parañaque City to the south.Pasay City was one of the original four... - Colegio De San LorenzoColegio de San LorenzoColegio de San Lorenzo is a private Catholic educational institution in the Philippines located in Congressional Avenue, Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City and in Macabebe, Pampanga, opened in 1988. Students of Colegio de San Lorenzo are also known as "Ruizians"-History:The school's founders, Cirilo...
, Quezon CityQuezon CityQuezon City is the former capital and the most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. The city was named after Manuel L... - Indiana Aerospace University, Lapu-Lapu CityLapu-Lapu CityThe City of Lapu-Lapu is a first class highly urbanized city in the province of Cebu in the Philippines. The city occupies most of Mactan Island, a few kilometer off the main island of Cebu and also covers the Olango Island Group further to the southeast, plus a few other islets. It is part of the...
- The Palmridge School, Bacoor, CaviteBacoor, CaviteThe Municipality of Bacoor is a first class urban municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines. It is a lone district congressional district of Cavite...
Schools that used to, however now no longer, implement ACP
- Saint Jude Academy, Valenzuela City
- Don Bosco, Sta. Rosa
- Laguna State University
- FEATI UniversityFEATI UniversityFEATI University is a private non-sectarian co-educational higher education institution with a Catholic orientation established in 1946 in Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines. FEATI was formerly known as the Far Eastern Aeronautics School.-About FEATI:Dr. Salvador Araneta with his wife Dr...
- Las Piñas CollegeLas Piñas CollegeLas Piñas College is a school located in Pilar Village, Almanza, Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The college was established in 1975 by Dr. Faustino Legaspi Uy...
- Mindanao Aeronautical & Technical School
- La Consolacion College of Daet, Daet, Camarines Norte
- Flos Carmeli Institute, Fairview, Quezon City