A Philippine Military Academy cadet from Cebu has graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, marking a major step in his long-held dream of becoming a military pilot and serving the Philippine Air Force.
Cadet First Class Dans Uriel Bacalso Ferrer, 23, of Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, completed the four-year program at USAFA on May 28 as part of the foreign pre-commission training partnership between the Philippine Military Academy and the United States service academy.
Ferrer, an original member of PMA “SIKLAB-LAYA” Class of 2025, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Area Studies under the Military Strategic Studies track, with a focus on Asia. He also completed a minor in Japanese.
His training in the United States came with several distinctions, including placement on the Dean’s List, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge in Gold, Rifle Expert and Pistol Expert qualifications, the Cadet Cyberwarfare Badge, Cadet Glider Wings with a star for solo completion of the TG-16 aircraft, and Parachutist Wings after completing five solo freefall skydives.
After graduation, Ferrer is set to join the Philippine Air Force. He will first undergo the Basic Aviation Officer Course and hopes to proceed to pilot training.
Ferrer said his dream of flying was shaped early by his upbringing at Brigadier General Benito Ebuen Air Base, where he was constantly exposed to aircraft and aviation. He credited his father, retired Philippine Air Force pilot Lt. Col. Demetrio Ferrer, a member of PMA “MASINAG” Class of 1998, as one of his biggest inspirations.
His mother, Nancy Bacalso-Ferrer, is a former broadcast journalist of ABS-CBN Central Visayas. Ferrer said his family remained his strongest source of motivation throughout his journey.
Before entering military training, Ferrer ranked first in the 2020 PMA Entrance Examination, a distinction that reflected the discipline and academic drive that later carried him through USAFA.
In a message to young Filipinos, Ferrer urged them to keep pursuing their goals and consider a life of service.
“To the Filipino people, never stop dreaming. Hangga’t nagsusumikap tayo para sa ating mga pangarap, patuloy na uunlad ang ating bansa,” he said.
He also thanked his family, sponsor families, friends, classmates, and the PMA community for supporting him throughout his training.
The PMA said Ferrer’s graduation reflects its continuing effort to develop future officers through international exposure, advanced military education, and cross-cultural learning.
His achievement also highlights the academy’s goal of producing young leaders who can bring home global training, specialized skills, and broader perspectives in service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.