The Philippine Military Academy formally commissioned 207 new officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday, May 16, 2026, during the Commencement Exercises for PMA "TALANG DANGAL" Class of 2026, held at the Fajardo Grandstand, Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar, Baguio City.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker for the ceremony — one of the most significant annual events in the country's military calendar.
The event marked the formal entry of the graduating class into active military service, with graduates distributed across the three major branches of the AFP: the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Navy.
207 Cadets Commissioned Across Three Military Branches
A total of 207 cadets completed the four-year program at the Academy, composed of 142 males and 65 females. Upon commissioning, 76 graduates were assigned to the Philippine Army, 62 to the Philippine Air Force, and 69 to the Philippine Navy.
All graduating cadets were conferred with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Management Major in Security Studies, in accordance with the Academy's academic program.
The class name "TALANG DANGAL" is an acronym for "Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal" — a name that reflects the class's identity and their commitment to the defense and honor of the Filipino people.
Graduates Complete Microcredential Courses in Emerging Technology
Although the graduating class was trained under the previous PMA curriculum, they completed additional microcredential courses designed to prepare them for contemporary and future security challenges.
According to the Academy's public affairs office, the additional courses included AI Fundamentals, Python Programming, Data Analytics, Electronic Warfare, and Unmanned Systems. These competencies are intended to equip the new officers with technical knowledge applicable to both traditional and emerging operational environments.
The inclusion of technology-focused training signals a broader shift in how the Philippine Military Academy is preparing its graduates for an increasingly digitized and complex security landscape.
Marcos Invokes Constitution, Honor Code in Message to New Officers
In his commencement address, President Marcos called on the new officers to uphold the Constitution and the honor code instilled in them throughout their training at the Academy.
"Your loyalty must always remain with the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. 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. 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."
The President's remarks emphasized personal integrity and institutional accountability as foundational qualities expected of AFP officers, particularly as they assume positions of leadership within the military establishment.
Valedictorian Librada Leads Class in Valedictory Address
Cadet First Class Christine Kaye D. Librada, CCAFP, delivered the valedictory address on behalf of PMA "TALANG DANGAL" Class of 2026. Librada, who graduated as class valedictorian, spoke of the responsibilities that now await the new officers as they transition from academy life to active service.
"As officers of the Armed Forces, we now accept a greater responsibility. We will lead in uncertainty, decide under pressure, and serve something greater than ourselves. The path ahead will not be easy but we are prepared."
Her address reflected themes of service, sacrifice, and readiness — qualities that the Academy has long emphasized as central to the character of a Filipino military officer.
Superintendent Valencia Thanks Families of Graduates
Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia PN, Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy, delivered the welcome remarks and expressed gratitude to the families who entrusted their children to the institution for four years of rigorous training and formation.
"Thank you again for entrusting your sons and daughters to the Academy. In the four years that they were in our care, we molded, nurtured and raised them as our own. Ngayon po, binabalik na namin sila sa inyo, but not as lanky boys and girls but rather as young men and women. Stronger in body, sharper in mind, deeper in character and soldiers of our nation."
Vice Admiral Valencia's remarks underscored the partnership between the Academy and the families of cadets — a relationship that the PMA regards as integral to the holistic development of its graduates.
Defense Secretary Teodoro Declares Commissioning; AFP Chief Administers Oath
The formal commissioning of the graduating class was declared by Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., followed by the administration of the Oath of Office by General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. PA, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Cavalier Ricardo A. David Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the PMA Alumni Association, Inc., led the graduates in the Oath of PMA Alumni Association membership — formally inducting the Class of 2026 into the broader community of PMA graduates who have served or continue to serve the country.
The participation of senior civilian and military officials in the ceremony underscored the national significance of the annual commissioning exercise, which produces the AFP's next generation of commissioned officers.
PMA Reaffirms Mandate to Develop Officers of Character and Competence
In a statement authorized by LCDR Jesse Nestor B. Saludo PN, Chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Philippine Military Academy, the Academy reaffirmed its institutional mission in light of the graduation of Class 2026.
According to the Academy's official statement, "through the graduation of PMA 'TALANG DANGAL' Class of 2026, the Academy reaffirms its commitment to producing officers of character, competence, and honor who are prepared to lead and serve in an increasingly complex and evolving security environment."
The PMA, located at Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar in Baguio City, is the premier military education institution of the Republic of the Philippines. It operates under the command structure of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and has produced officers who have served across all branches of the AFP since its establishment.
With the commissioning of 207 new officers from the Class of 2026, the AFP gains a fresh cohort of trained military professionals entering service at a time of heightened regional security considerations and growing emphasis on technological integration within the armed forces.
The ceremony on May 16, 2026 was attended by families of the graduates, senior military and civilian officials, and members of the PMA alumni community, according to the Academy's public affairs office.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of OCPA, PMA / OSPMA