The Philippine Military Academy (PAM) formally welcomed 367 incoming cadets of PMA Class 2030 on Saturday, May 23, marking the start of their transformation into future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The new class, composed of 290 males and 77 females, took their oath and underwent reception rites at Borromeo Field, where they were received by their Second Class Cadet Squad Leaders from PMA “SIKLAB KASILAG” Class of 2028.
PMA said the incoming cadets were selected from 33,640 applicants. Of the total, 24,630 qualified to take the 2025 PMA Entrance Examination, while only 1,436 passed and proceeded to the rigorous screening process.
The new cadets come from different parts of the country, with the largest groups coming from the Cordillera Administrative Region at 12 percent, the National Capital Region at 11 percent, and Region IV-A at 11 percent.
In his opening remarks, the Commandant of Cadets said the reception rites signaled the official start of the cadets’ military and academic journey inside the academy.
“The Reception Rites marks a life-changing milestone — it marks the official beginning of your military career. This is not merely a ceremonial event, rather, it signifies your transition from a carefree civilian life into the disciplined, demanding, and regimented life of a cadet,” he said.
PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia said the academy is updating its training programs to prepare cadets for a more complex security environment.
“The academy is aggressively undertaking initiatives to enhance our academic and military curriculum, elevating it to be at par with the highest international standards. Your children will be trained not just in the classic arts of war, but in critical and systems thinking, cybersecurity, international defense, and strategic leadership,” Valencia said.
“We will always endeavor to provide them with the best education and training the nation can offer, ensuring that when they graduate, they are fully equipped to protect our nation in the 21st century,” he added.
As members of PMA Class 2030, the incoming cadets will take the enhanced Bachelor of Science in Management, major in Security Studies, the same curriculum being pursued by PMA Classes 2028 and 2029.
The program is designed to equip cadets with competencies needed for modern warfare, territorial defense, and the evolving operational environment. It also aims to develop future military officers with the knowledge, discipline, and leadership skills required by the Armed Forces.
PMA said the reception of Class 2030 comes at a time when the country faces new and emerging security challenges, making the training of future officers more critical to national defense and public service.
The academy said it remains committed to shaping the new cadets into leaders of character and operationally ready officers prepared for the demands of military service.