From jungle drills to cyber skills, PMA Class of 2026 levels the playing field

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The future direction of the Armed Forces of the Philippines can often be read in the choices of graduating cadets at the Philippine Military Academy.

For PMA Talang Dangal Class of 2026, Armed Forces branch preferences were more evenly distributed compared with previous years. Of the graduating cadets, 76 chose the Philippine Army, 69 opted for the Philippine Navy, and 62 selected the Philippine Air Force.

In contrast, data from 2023 to 2025 show a stronger tilt toward the Army. Over that three-year period, 439 graduates entered the Army, while 220 joined the Navy, and 195 opted for the Air Force, reflecting the military’s longstanding focus on internal security and counterinsurgency operations.

PMA Superintendent Caesar Bernard Valencia said the Class of 2026 stands out for its relatively balanced distribution across the three major service branches.

Valencia attributed the shift to strategic direction from senior defense leaders, as the military recalibrates from primarily anti-insurgency operations toward a broader emphasis on territorial defense. The Philippines has increasingly prioritized external security concerns in recent years, including maritime domain awareness and air defense, amid evolving regional dynamics.

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He said the class is also the first to undergo a multi-domain training environment during a joint field exercise held in April, designed to prepare cadets for modern warfare.

“This training integrates land, air and naval components to prepare cadets to be proficient in drone, cyber, and cognitive warfare,” Valencia said.

‘Gamified’ learning approach

The superintendent added that the academy has introduced “gamified” learning approaches, using electronic games to enhance strategy, decision-making and small-unit tactics. The PMA has also incorporated microcredentials into its curriculum, including courses in Python programming, data analytics, unmanned systems, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence to reflect the growing importance of technology in defense operations.

Beyond traditional field exercises such as bivouacs and jungle survival training with foreign cadets, the academy is expanding international collaboration. Valencia said the PMA is developing an e-sports partnership with the United States Military Academy.

“The planned PMA-USMA e-sports program will sharpen cadets’ strategic thinking, maximize technology and allow cadets from both academies to train and compete in the virtual space,” he said.

The academy has also invested in modern training infrastructure, including simulators, a rappelling tower, upgraded classrooms, an e-library and expanded digital systems.

Valencia said the PMA continues to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines in strengthening defense cooperation through military education, people-to-people exchanges and partnerships with foreign academies.

At present, 45 PMA cadets are studying in the US, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and India. The program is expected to expand next year to include Italy and Canada, further broadening the academy’s global engagement. – Rappler.com