The battlefield is changing but the moral compass of a soldier must remain fixed.

Thus said Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia as he challenged the new breed of cadets to lead beyond technology, noting that modern tools cannot replace the foundational character required of a leader.

“The cadets of today are preparing to lead an era marked by uncertainty and rapid change. Modern officers must navigate not only conventional security concerns but also emerging challenges such as cyber threats, information warfare, disaster response, and regional cooperation,” Valencia said during the PMA Alumni homecoming 2026 at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday, Feb. 21.

In response to such changes, he said the PMA continues to enhance its academic rigor, leadership training, and character development to ensure that the future officers are both capable and principled.

“Despite these evolving demands, one truth remains clear: leadership without character is incomplete. No advancement in technology can replace moral courage, sound judgment, and an unwavering sense of accountability,” Valencia noted.

“While doctrines, technology, and battlefields will always change, the moral compass instilled in every cadet will always remain constant,” he added.

The PMA Superintendent reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to producing officers who lead “not for personal gain but in service of the Filipino people.”

The homecoming, themed “PMA @ 127: Fostering Unity and Excellence: Strengthening Bonds and Advancing Traditions,” featured Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson as the guest of honor and speaker, who was described by Valencia as a living embodiment of the PMA’s values of duty, honor, and loyalty.

Lacson is a member of the PMA “Matatag” Class of 1971, and currently serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

“Your presence today is not only an honor to this homecoming but a powerful reminder to our cadets that lessons learned within these walls can shape a lifetime of principled leadership in service of the nation,” Valencia told Lacson.

The ceremony also honored the extremes of the “Long Gray Line” as Valencia recognized the oldest living alumnus, 92-year-old Cavalier Filoteo Arevalo of Class 1956, and the youngest, Cavalier Alexis Mison of Class 2025.

Around 1,741 alumni attended the PMA annual homecoming of graduates from second lieutenants to generals together with their families.

High-ranking Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) officials, including AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and PNP Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., were also in attendance.

Since 1906, the PMA said it has produced 12,107 graduates as it committed to continuing to foster the values and characters of the cadets who are the future leaders of the country.

During the homecoming, the PMA also recognized its alumni for their exemplary and unblemished service to the country, and for having a reputation beyond reproach and adherence to the virtues of courage, loyalty, and integrity.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Cavaliers Jose C. Lapus, of Class 1965; Danilo A. Abinoja, of Class 1974; Ferdinand S. Golez, of Class 1976; and Leopoldo N. Bataoil, of Class 1976.

Meanwhile, 18 PMA cavaliers were also honored for their specific contributions to the country through their current or previous line of work:

Cavalier Aristotle D. Gonzalez, of Class 1992, for Command and Administration;

Cavalier Ronnie C. Bringas, of Class 1996, for Staff Functions;

Cavalier Rommel R. Langcauon, of Class 1999, for Army Operations (Senior Officer);

Cavalier Cyrus B. Mendoza, of Class 2000, for Naval Operations (Senior Officer);

Cavalier Francis L. Dancel, of Class 2000, for Air Operations (Senior Officer);

Cavalier Bernard M. Banac, of Class 1992, for Police Operations (Senior)

Cavalier Genito Basilio, of Class 1996, for Coast Guard Operations (Senior Officer);

Cavalier Lawrence R. San Juan, of Class 1997, for Special Operations;

Cavalier Recaredo A. Sarmiento II, of Class 1966 and Cavalier Billy S. Pascua, of Class 1999, for Private Enterprise;

Cavalier Evans Frederick Evans L. Ramos, of Class 1984, for Alumni Affairs;

Cavalier Ricky P. Bunayog, of Class 1993, for Special Field (Reserve Force Development);

Cavalier Gino Antonio U. Benavides, of Class 2008, for Special Field (Science and Technology);

Cavalier Leo S. Alvez, of Class 1966, for Special Field (Education and Social Development);

Cavalier Girard Pacifico B. Marin, of Class 1999, for Special Field (Global Security and Development);

Cavalier Jonah A. Arugay, of Class 2000, for Coast Guard Operations (Junior Officer);

Cavalier Jonathan A. Corpuz, of Class 2010, for Air Operations (Junior Officer); and

Cavalier Maria Cristina M. Mojeca, of Class 2017, for Naval Operations (Junior Officer).