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PMA Class of 2026 Cadets Choose Army, Navy, and Air Force in Relatively Even Split
Graduating cadets from the Philippine Military Academy's Talang Dangal Class of 2026 selected the Army, Navy and Air Force in nearly equal numbers, a shift from prior years. Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia linked the change to evolving defense priorities and new multi-domain exercises.
May 6, 2:22 AM·2m read1 source
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BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Military Academy's Talang Dangal Class of 2026 has chosen service branches in a even split, with 76 graduating cadets selecting the Philippine Army, 69 opting for the Philippine Navy and 62 selecting the Philippine Air Force.
PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia stated that the class stands out for its relatively balanced distribution across the three major service branches of the Armed Forces. He attributed the shift to strategic direction from senior defense leaders as the Philippine military recalibrates from primarily anti-insurgency operations toward a broader emphasis on territorial defense.
From 2023 to 2025, PMA graduates showed a heavier concentration in the Army, with 439 entering that branch compared with 220 who joined the Philippine Navy and 195 who opted for the Philippine Air Force. The Class of 2026 marks a departure from that pattern. The class is the first to undergo a multi-domain training environment during a joint field exercise held in April 2026.
The exercise was designed to prepare cadets for modern warfare by integrating land, air and naval components. “This training integrates land, air and naval components to prepare cadets to be proficient in drone, cyber, and cognitive warfare,” Valencia said. The PMA has introduced gamified learning approaches using electronic games to enhance strategy, decision-making and small-unit tactics.
It has also incorporated microcredentials into its curriculum including courses in Python programming, data analytics, unmanned systems, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence. Valencia said the PMA is developing an e-sports partnership with the United States Military Academy.
