By Brian Campued
“As you take your oath today, remember that your loyalty is not to any political interest, not to any individual, nor any passing ideology.”
This was the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026, stressing the importance of remaining steadfast in their loyalty to the Constitution and to the nation.
During the commencement exercises at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday, Marcos Jr. urged future soldiers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, honor, and discipline throughout their military careers.
“Your loyalty must always remain with the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.
Even in the face of hardships and difficult decisions, the President said, soldiers must not lose direction and remain faithful to the Philippine flag and to the Filipino people.
“Throughout this mission, carry with you the Honor Code instilled in you by the Academy: never lie, never cheat, never steal, and never tolerate those who do,” he said.
“Because silence in the face of wrongdoing is a betrayal of your values, a betrayal of your country, and a betrayal of the very principles you have sworn to defend.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive highlighted the PMA’s modernization efforts, aimed at equipping future military officers with the necessary skills and capabilities to confront threats that “are no longer confined to conventional battlefields,” including cyber threats, disinformation, territorial aggression, and climate-related disasters.
“While the curriculum reform shall fully benefit the class of 2029, this year’s cadets have already been exposed to new disciplines such as data science, Python foundations, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems to equip them with basic competencies in emerging technologies,” he said.
Bearing the name “Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal,” this year’s batch comprises 207 cadets—142 males and 65 females—who will officially join the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“It is a name that reflects a new corps of leaders who must prove that courage, integrity, and loyalty are not mere aspirations, but a non-negotiable standard,” the Commander-in-Chief said.
“It likewise speaks of responsibility. A responsibility that begins the moment you step beyond this formidable ground and into a world that will ultimately measure your conviction and your grit.”
Marcos Jr. also congratulated the class’ outstanding graduates who “distinguished themselves through exceptional performance,” led by valedictorian Cadet 1st Class Christine Kaye Demisana Librada of Lipa City, Batangas.
Librada, the 9th female cadet to top the PMA since 1993, is set to be commissioned as a junior officer in the Philippine Army.
