President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged the 207 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 to transcend political divisions and remain unwavering in their allegiance to the Constitution and the Filipino people.
Commencement Address at Fort del Pilar
Speaking at the commencement exercises held at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City, Marcos emphasized that the true strength of a soldier is rooted in integrity, discipline, and honor—values they must carry throughout their service to the nation.
“As you take your oath today, remember that your loyalty is not to any political interest, not to any individual, nor any passing ideology. Your loyalty must always remain with the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines,” he stated.
Hardships and Difficult Decisions
The President acknowledged that the graduates would encounter hardships and situations requiring tough choices. However, he assured them that as long as their allegiance remains with the Philippine flag, they will never lose their way.
“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,” Marcos 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 that you have sworn to defend.”
Modernization and Emerging Threats
Marcos expressed confidence that the graduates are now prepared to confront both national and emerging threats of the modern era. He highlighted the PMA’s modernization efforts, which have laid a strong foundation for future military leaders to tackle threats beyond conventional battlefields.
“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 explained.
“Your sharp minds, fresh perspectives, and capability not only respond to present risks but to anticipate future threats before they even fully emerge, and that will go a long way. Your ability to discern truth from deception is crucial to making sound decisions.”
Class of 2026: ‘Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal’
This year’s batch, bearing the name “Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal” (Defenders of a Great and Honorable Race), consists of 207 cadets—142 men and 65 women—who will officially join the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Leading the graduates is Cadet 1st Class Christine Kaye Demisana Librada of Lipa City, Batangas. Librada, the ninth female cadet to top the Academy since 1993, is set to be commissioned as a junior officer of the Philippine Army.
