President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Addressed the 207 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Talang Dangal Class of 2026 on Saturday, May 16, emphasizing that military loyalty must remain with the Constitution and the Filipino people.
Speaking at Borromeo Field inside Fort Del Pilar in Baguio, the President warned that the role of modern military officers now extends beyond conventional combat to address a wider array of national security risks.
Marcos identified emerging threats including cyberwarfare, disinformation, territorial aggression, and calamities exacerbated by climate change, as well as forces attempting to divide the people and weaken trust in institutions.
A Mandate of Non-Partisanship
During the ceremony, the President delivered a stern reminder regarding the nature of military service, stating it must never be tied to partisan interests or specific personalities.
“As you take your oath today, remember that your loyalty is not to any political interest, not to any individual, nor any passing ideology,” Marcos said. “Your loyalty must always remain with the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.”
He further urged the graduates to strictly adhere to the PMA Honor Code, which mandates that officers “never lie, never cheat, never steal, and never tolerate those who do.”
Marcos characterized silence in the face of wrongdoing as a betrayal of the country, the officer’s values, and the principles they have sworn to defend.
Modernization and Evolving Warfare
The graduation of the 207-member class—consisting of 142 male and 65 female cadets—coincides with a broader shift in the Armed Forces of the Philippines toward territorial defense.
While the graduates followed the Bachelor of Science in Management and Security Studies curriculum, the President noted they were exposed to modern disciplines such as artificial intelligence, data science, unmanned systems, electronic warfare, and Python programming foundations.
Marcos stated that these capabilities are intended to help officers not only respond to current risks but to anticipate future threats before they fully emerge.
Future Outlook
The President indicated that the PMA is continuing its modernization efforts, with full curriculum reforms expected to benefit future students starting with the Class of 2029.
As the military shifts its focus toward territorial defense, the integration of data science and electronic warfare could potentially change how the Philippines manages emerging security threats.
The updated training may likely lead to a new generation of leaders who view integrity and courage as nonnegotiable standards in a more complex security landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cadets graduated in the PMA Talang Dangal Class of 2026?
A total of 207 cadets graduated, comprising 142 males and 65 females.
What new technical disciplines were the graduates exposed to?
The cadets were exposed to artificial intelligence, Python programming foundations, data science, unmanned systems, and electronic warfare.
When will the full PMA curriculum reforms take effect?
The full reforms are expected to benefit future classes beginning with the PMA Class of 2029.
How should modern military training evolve to best counter the rise of disinformation and cyberwarfare?