Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. urged future military leaders to embrace ambition and reject complacency as the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) marked its 128th founding anniversary on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Baguio City.
In his anniversary message, Teodoro described the PMA as a "unique, special-purpose academy" with the dual responsibility of delivering world-class education while preparing cadets to become deployable junior officers for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and, eventually, the Philippine Coast Guard.
Teodoro's Call to Overcome Complacency
Secretary Teodoro warned against a laid-back posture on defense and national security, stressing that the country's territorial and sovereignty concerns demand bolder planning and execution.
"We need to be ambitious in order to have the right motivation to deal with these challenges, and to defeat defeatism, and to show an example to the public that we are ready, willing, and able to stand firmly and proudly for the core values of the Republic of the Philippines," Teodoro said.
He added that the Philippines "cannot afford to be laid-back and non-ambitious and conservative, particularly when its territory and sovereignty are concerned," and acknowledged that ambitious security plans should have been put in place years earlier.
"When national security is concerned, ambitious plans needed to have been laid down on the ground years ago. But we cannot recoup the past, we can only make the present faster," the Defense Chief said.
Emerging Technologies and New Threats Driving Reform
Teodoro identified emerging technologies, new operational domains, and the growing weaponization of information as factors requiring the PMA and the AFP to continuously adapt their approach to military education and training.
He stressed the need to build an educational and military ecosystem capable of developing leaders who can anticipate, respond to, and manage future threats while guiding their organizations through rapid change.
"We are in a race and a struggle to increase our capabilities and increase our footprint, and increase our ability to enforce our laws within a vast maritime domain that we have and we are fighting for," Teodoro said.
Education Versus Training — A Key Distinction
The Defense Secretary emphasized the importance of distinguishing between education and training within the military development framework. According to Teodoro, education builds knowledge while training develops the practical skills necessary for effective military service — and both are essential for producing mission-ready officers.
He urged cadets and Academy leaders to remain focused on their tasks while maintaining a clear understanding of their mission and purpose in serving the nation.
Reaffirming the AFP's Mandate
Teodoro reaffirmed the AFP's core mandate to safeguard the nation's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and dignity, calling for the cultivation of a professional, knowledgeable, and highly trained armed force capable of meeting present and future security demands.
He concluded his remarks by paying tribute to PMA alumni, faculty, civilian personnel, and private and public partners who have contributed to the Academy's legacy of service and excellence across generations.
Awards Conferred at the Anniversary Rites
Together with PMA Superintendent Lieutenant General Michael G. Logico, Secretary Teodoro conferred recognition on distinguished officers, personnel, and partner individuals and institutions of the Academy during the anniversary ceremonies, according to the Department of National Defense.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Department of National Defense