President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reminded the newest graduates of the Philippine Military Academy that their loyalty as future military officers must remain with the Constitution as they prepare to face evolving threats to national security.
Speaking during the commencement exercises of the PMA “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 at Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City, Marcos congratulated the 207 graduates who will formally enter military service as officers tasked with defending the Republic.
The President said the class name “Talang Dangal,” which stands for “Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal,” reflects the responsibility carried by a new generation of military leaders expected to uphold courage, integrity, and loyalty as non-negotiable values.
“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,” Marcos said.
Marcos also recognized the class valedictorian, Christine Kaye Demisana Librada, along with other cadets who earned distinction for outstanding performance.
In his speech, the President emphasized that modern security threats now extend far beyond traditional battlefields.
He said the country now faces challenges ranging from cyberattacks and disinformation to territorial aggression, climate-related disasters, and attempts to erode public trust in institutions.
Because of these emerging threats, Marcos said the government has begun strengthening and modernizing the PMA curriculum to better prepare future military officers.
While the full curriculum reforms are expected to benefit the PMA Class of 2029, he noted that this year’s graduates were already exposed to disciplines such as data science, Python foundations, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems.
According to Marcos, these competencies are intended to help military leaders respond to present-day risks while anticipating future threats.
Still, the President stressed that technical knowledge must always be anchored on honor, discipline, and integrity.
“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 said.
Marcos also reminded the graduates to live by the PMA Honor Code: never lie, never cheat, never steal, and never tolerate those who do.
He warned that remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing would betray both the institution’s values and the nation they are sworn to protect.
“Bilang inyong Commander-in-Chief, naniniwala ako sa inyong kakayahan,” Marcos told the graduates as he expressed confidence in their commitment to serve the Filipino people with loyalty and honor.
The President also urged the new officers to help build a safer, stronger, and more peaceful “Bagong Pilipinas.”