18/07/2026
Don't Quit
Every Philippine Military Academy cadet remembers the Recognition Rites—a defining milestone earned only after enduring the demanding weeks of Beast Barracks. The embrace between an upperclassman and a plebe is more than a tradition; it symbolizes acceptance into the Corps of Cadets, the reward for perseverance, discipline, and unwavering determination. It is a reminder that every hardship has a purpose, and that every challenge overcome builds the character of a future leader and defender of the nation.
That same spirit is captured in Edgar A. Guest's timeless poem, Don't Quit. Its message transcends generations: there will be moments when the burden feels overwhelming, when progress seems impossible, and when giving up appears to be the easiest path. Yet history is often written by those who chose to endure one more day, take one more step, and fight one more battle.
Success rarely belongs to the strongest or the fastest—it belongs to those who refuse to surrender. Whether in military service or in life's daily struggles, victory often comes just beyond the point where most people would have given up.
As the poem reminds us:
"So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit—
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."
Never quit. Your breakthrough may be just one more step ahead. 🇵🇭