While recognizing the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) as a reliable institution in nation-building, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the military institution to step up in enhancing the skills of cadets to face modern-day challenges amid “this time of great complexity.”
Speaking at the commencement exercises of PMA’s Bagong Sinag Class of 2024 in Baguio City, President Marcos ordered the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to review the academy’s curriculum and ensure that cadets will be equipped with “21st century skills” to further protect the country.
“The PMA has long been a reliable institution in nation-building. However, in this time of great complexity, the PMA needs to step up and take on the task of ensuring that the next generation of leaders in the country are ready for the emerging and future challenges,” President Marcos said.
“So, I direct the DND and AFP leadership to review the PMA curriculum to ensure that our cadets will be equipped with the 21st century skills necessary to counter conventional and asymmetric threats. In the digital battlefield, a clear vision for truth, integrity, and patriotism are necessary tools to combat attempts at disinformation and infiltration,” he added.
Since the PMA’s establishment in 1935, the institution’s curriculum has undergone review 10 times in response to the growing demands of the security environment and technical advancements.
The review became more frequent since 2021.
The current curriculum, on the other hand, is designed to enhance the cadets’ competence in the performance of its five basic roles in the AFP and ensure that the baccalaureate degree program is at par with international qualification.
In facing the evolving threats against the people that corrode social and political trust, the President stressed that future cadets have to be ready in all possible ways.
President Marcos was the guest of honor and keynote speaker during the PMA Commencement Exercises for “Bagong Sinag Class” of 2024 at the PMA Borromeo Field, Fort Gregorio del Pilar, Loakan, Baguio City. He also presented the diplomas and awards to the graduates.
During the ceremony, President Marcos recognized the hard work of the PMA instructors in providing a responsive military education, ensuring the cadets to become worthy protectors of the country. He was also impressed by the outstanding performances of the female cadets who dominated the top 10 achievers.
The chief executive also assured the AFP of government’s continued support for the welfare of all uniformed officials and personnel, including their families.
“And to all the members of the AFP, be assured that this government has a continued assurance in improving the welfare and morale of our uniformed officials and personnel, and of course, including your respective families.”
A total of 278 cadets graduated from Bagong Sinag Class of 2024. Of the figure, 143 will serve in the army, 62 in the Air Force, and 73 will join the Navy. PND
