As the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) rolled out new training in artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and unmanned systems, this year’s class valedictorian reminded fellow cadets that honor must remain at the center of military service.

Cadet First Class Christine Kaye D. Librada, of Lipa City, Batangas, topped the PMA “Talang Dangal” (Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal) Class of 2026, becoming only the ninth female cadet to graduate at the top of her class since women were admitted into the Academy in 1997.

In her valedictory address delivered during the PMA commencement exercises at Fort Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday, May 16, Librada said the class entered military service at a time of transition inside the Academy and in the broader security environment.

"Once we step out of these walls, may we remember the foundation of our character, the Honor Code and the Honor System," Librada said.

"This is not something that simply separates us from the rest, nor a standard to ensure our stay in the academy, but a principle that will guide us in the decisions we make. Outside the brick gate, rules may not always be visible, but honor must remain present. May we stay true to our character and grow to be honorable leaders," she added.

Librada will join the Philippine Army after the graduation rites led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Class of 2026 is composed of 207 cadets, including 65 women and 142 men. Of the total, 76 will join the Philippine Army, 62 the Philippine Air Force, and 69 the Philippine Navy. 

The cadets were part of the 37,651 applicants who applied for the PMA Entrance Examination (PMAEE) in 2021 where only 24,288 individuals were qualified to take the said examination in 45 Testing Centers nationwide. 

“These past four years of training had tested our limits and refined our character,” Librada said. “Today is both recognition of what the members of PMA ‘Talang Dangal’ Class of 2026 have accomplished and a reminder of the responsibility we now carry.”

She said the cadets witnessed reforms inside the Academy while undergoing training themselves.

“Being part of the change was not easy. It demanded courage, vision, and trust that despite setbacks, progress will push through,” Librada said.

Librada also paid tribute to the late Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, whose 2019 death after hazing inside the Academy triggered reforms in cadet training and supervision.

“Today, we also continue to honor the life of late Dormitorio, His memory reminds us of the true meaning of leadership and service,” she said, urging fellow cadets to lead “with courage, dignity and humanity.”

Raised by a retired military officer father and an entrepreneur mother, Librada said she grew up seeing “service, sacrifice, discipline and kindness” through her parents.

Inside the Academy, she joined the Speakers Board, Taekwondo Corps Squad, Silent Drill Company, PMA Christian Fellowship, and dance activities.

Meanwhile, PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia said the Academy had begun reshaping its curriculum as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shifted focus toward territorial defense and emerging forms of warfare.

“Warfare today goes beyond land, seas and skies,” Valencia recalled Marcos as saying during last year’s commencement exercises. “We have battles that are invisible to radar.”

Valencia said the PMA introduced micro credential courses in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, electronic and hybrid warfare, and unmanned systems for the Class of 2026.

“Our cadets went to Pag-asa Island for them not just to study sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Valencia said. “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 the Academy also organized a multi-domain task unit during the PMA Joint Field Training Exercise 2026 to expose cadets to cyber and cognitive warfare scenarios.

Further, he said the PMA was pursuing international accreditation while expanding its long-term development plan. He said the Academy aims to build a 10-company cadet corps with a training capacity of 2,000 cadets by 2040.

“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.

For topping the class, Librada will receive the Presidential Saber, Philippine Army Saber, JUSMAG Award, Information Technology Plaque and Australian Defence Best Overall Performance Award.

Other awardees include:

Rank 2. Cadet 1CL Mark John Vincent Utlang Catacutan (Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur): Class salutatorian and Magna Cum Laude. He received the Vice Presidential Saber, Philippine Air Force Saber, General Antonio Luna Award, Spanish Armed Forces Award, Alejandro Melchor Award, Management Plaque, Natural Sciences Plaque, Humanities Plaque, Pelagio Cruz Plaque, and Australian Defence Best Overall Performance Award.

Rank 3. Cadet 1CL Thomas Edgar Isla Sepulchre (Angeles City, Pampanga / Sabangan, Mountain Province): Recipient of the Secretary of National Defense Saber and National Security Studies Plaque.

Rank 4. Cadet 1CL Ian Harold Durana Hubilla (Pangpang City, Sorsogon): Recipient of the Chief of Staff Saber.

Rank 5. Cadet 1CL Maeg Adriene Pajarillo Bermudez (Moncada, Tarlac): Ranks fifth.

Rank 6. Cadet 1CL Cherry Mae Panag Geco (Jamindan, Capiz)

Rank 7. Cadet 1CL Elixa Anya Lumbang Hernandez (Garcia, Batangas): Recipient of the Philippine Navy Saber and Australian Defence Best Overall Performance Award.

Rank 8. Cadet 1CL Catherine Liesha Beloa De Chavez (San Pascual, Batangas): Recipient of the Chief Justice Saber and Artemio Ricarte Plaque.

Rank 9. Cadet 1CL Cedric Cyril Guingguing Polizon (Tagbina, Surigao del Sur)

Rank 10. Cadet 1CL Mark Clement Dequinto Centina (Negros Occidental).

Special awards were also handed out to other members of the graduating class:

Cadet 1CL Iway Inchan Ateo-an: Journalism Award 2026

Cadet 1CL Elaine Lyka Oagdan Canaya: Aguinaldo Saber and Department of Tactical Officers Plaque.

Cadet 1CL Earl Asnan Berlin Asuncion: Mathematics Plaque.

Cadet 1CL Adriane Faith Pe San Jose: Superintendent’s Saber.

Cadet 1CL Joyce Hanna Marie Danao Pascua: Association of General and Flag Officers, Inc. Award and Department of Leadership Plaque.

Cadet 1CL Beatrice Solamo Geralde: Jose Andrada Plaque.

Cadet 1CL John Roy Erauda Baran: Sports and Physical Development Unit Plaque.

Cadet 1CL Elaine Ruth Sunico Go: Athletic Saber (Female Category) and Gregorio del Pilar Award.

Cadet 1CL Kairan Shem Flor Resurreccion: Athletic Saber (Male Category).