"TALANG DANGAL" CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATES AS AFP SHIFTS TO MODERN WARFARE

BAGUIO CITY — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 graduated on Saturday not just as traditional military officers, but as a new generation of soldiers trained for the realities of modern warfare — from cyber threats and artificial intelligence to drone and multi-domain operations.

With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leading the commencement exercises as Guest of Honor and Speaker, the graduating cadets marked what military officials described as a major transition point for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as it shifts its focus toward territorial defense amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Unlike previous PMA classes, “Talang Dangal” underwent expanded training that introduced cadets to artificial intelligence, data analytics, electronic warfare, Python programming, and unmanned systems — skills now considered critical in modern military operations.

The class also became the first batch exposed to “Multi-Domain Task Unit” operations during joint field exercises, training that simulates warfare across land, air, sea, cyberspace, and information environments.

“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,” Marcos said in his message.

PMA said the class reflects the AFP’s growing emphasis on territorial defense and interoperability among the Army, Air Force, and Navy. It is also the first batch under the AFP’s new 35-35-30 branch distribution system aligned with the country’s external defense posture.

But despite all this, PMA Superintendent VADM Ceasar Bernard N. Valencia, said that PMA will remain true to its values.

“PMA will continue to evolve to the changing demands of this century but we will never abandon the values that made this Institution stand out among its peers,” Valencia said.

Marcos, on his part, reminded the graduating class to never lie, never cheat, never steal, and never tolerate those who do.

“Because silence in the face of wrongdoing is a betrayal of your values. a betrayal of your country and the betrayal of the very principles that you have sworn to defend,” he said.

Beyond military modernization, the class also carried deeply personal stories of sacrifice and resilience.

One cadet overcame a major sports injury and still emerged as an Athletic Saber awardee, while another graduated as Rank 9 and Cum Laude despite losing both parents during his journey in the academy.

The class also represented the PMA in international military and academic engagements, including competitions and forums in Italy and India, while helping improve the academy’s standing in the prestigious Sandhurst International Military Skills Competition.

Officials present during the graduation included Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape regional security, PMA “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 graduates into an AFP facing a very different battlefield — one no longer fought solely with rifles and troops on the ground, but also through technology, intelligence, and digital warfare