The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Saturday reported to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that it has begun to adapt the cadets’ curriculum to the needs of modern times.

Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, PMA Superintendent, in a message during the graduation of the “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026, said, “I am proud to report, Sir, that the Armed Forces shifts its focus to territorial defense. Your Academy is moving with urgency and purpose. Starting last year, we have implemented our enhanced curriculum to prepare cadets to operate and win in a multi-threat, multi-domain, and highly technical environment.”

He said this complies with the President’s order to ensure that cadets are ready when they graduate to a warfare that goes beyond land, sea, and skies and is invisible to radar.

“Indeed, the challenge of modern warfare now extends beyond the traditional battlefield, and threats now emanate from malware, hostile drones, and manipulated narratives,” Valencia said.

He reported that the PMA Class of 2026 was introduced to micro-credential courses in artificial intelligence, data analytics, electronic and hybrid warfare, and unmanned systems, not merely as new subjects but as an investment in readiness.

Valencia said that the graduates’ preparation goes beyond the classroom.

“Our cadets went to Pag-asa Island for them not just to study sovereignty and sovereign rights. All of them stood on Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea to remind all of them that Pag-asa is more than an island. It is a reminder and a line we must not allow to fade,” he said.

Valencia noted that while they continue to evolve the manner in which they train cadets, they are also solidifying the PMA’s place among the leading global defense learning institutions.

“With the international accreditation underway, the PMA seal will soon stand not only for courage, discipline, and tradition but also for academic excellence recognized beyond the shores. We continue to send our instructors to the best local and international learning institutions to further their academic acumen. We also send our cadets to prestigious academy competitions where they do not merely participate but rather compete and excel,” he said.

These are apart from the continuing infrastructure and capacity support to sustain the transformation.

“Mr. President, as your Superintendent, I give this assurance: PMA will continue to evolve to the changing demands of this century, but we will never abandon the values that made these institutions stand among its peers. Technology will evolve, the nature of warfare will change, threats will grow more complex, but the values of courage, integrity, and loyalty will remain constant,” Valencia said. (PNA)