A Philippine Military Academy cadet has been named champion of a Korean language competition held in South Korea, the PMA announced, in what the academy described as a milestone for its foreign training program.
Cadet 3rd Class Charlie Mark Eugenio Bumanglag, 20, won the 2026 National Defense Language Institute Korean Speaking Contest at the Korean Defense Language Institute (KDLI) in South Korea on September 17, 2026, according to the Philippine Military Academy Public Affairs Office.
Cadet from Fort Del Pilar Competes in Seoul
Bumanglag was born and raised in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, and was originally a member of PMA Class of 2029. He departed for South Korea on January 12, 2026, under the Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institution (FPCTI) Program, the PMA said.
Under the program, Bumanglag is completing a one-year Korean language course at KDLI before proceeding to the Republic of Korea Military Academy (ROKMA) in 2027 for four years of military education and training.
Father's Military Career a Source of Inspiration
According to the PMA, Bumanglag was inspired by his father, a Philippine Army enlisted member who currently serves as the PMA's Command Sergeant Major. The younger Bumanglag aspires to become an Army officer upon completing his training abroad.
In a statement released by the PMA Public Affairs Office, Bumanglag said he intends to apply what he learns during his time in Korea to strengthen the country's armed forces.
"After graduation, I plan to apply the knowledge, skills, and values I will gain in Korea to help further develop and strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines as I serve our country," Bumanglag said.
Earlier FPCTI Graduate Also Won Korean Language Award
The PMA noted that Bumanglag is not the first cadet from the academy to win a Korean-language competition in South Korea. Former ROKMA Cadet and now Second Lieutenant Guidson T. Domingo PA won the 2nd Korean Speaking Contest at Changwon National University in May 2025, according to the PMA.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Cadet 3CL Bumanglag CCAFP / Philippine Military Academy Public Affairs Office