Two cadets from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) have graduated from Japan’s prestigious National Defense Academy (NDA), marking a “historic milestone” for the PMA and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Cadet 1st Class Aerocadet Joshua Willie J. Ramos and Cadet 1st Class Midshipman Jhoco D. Apal survived Japan’s tough training, harsh winter exercises, and the challenges of military and academic life abroad, according to Major Clive Lebin, acting chief of PMA public affairs office.
“Despite language barriers and cultural differences, they proved their strength alongside Japanese and international cadets. The presence of these Filipino cadets at NDA represents a broader commitment to international military cooperation,” Lebin said on Wednesday, March 26.
The graduation ceremony held last March 22 at the JNDA in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture was attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Chief of Staff Yoshihide Yoshida, and other high-ranking officials from Japan.
The PMA said Ramos and Apal’s journey at the NDA serves as a “step toward stronger Philippines- Japan cooperation.”
“As future AFP officers, they carry lessons of discipline, resilience, and camaraderie, strengthening military and diplomatic ties between the two nations, and cementing a partnership focused on peace, security, and mutual trust,” Lebin noted.
Following their graduation, Ramos and Apal paid a courtesy visit and exit call on Mr. Christian L. De Jesus, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Philippine Embassy in Japan, on March 24, where they were recognized for their successful completion of training and academic excellence at NDA.
De Jesus congratulated the new graduates, highlighting their perseverance and success in overcoming the rigorous academic challenges that secured their graduation as part of the NDA Class of 2025.
According to the PMA, Ramos and Apal expressed readiness to serve the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Philippine Navy (PN), respectively, with honor and distinction after completing their studies in Japan.
The PMA has been sending cadets to the NDA since 1996 for their cadetship training.
The training and exchange of military officers and personnel is a vital component of the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan in the defense and political-security arena.