BAGUIO, Philippines – The 207 cadets of the Philippine Military Academy’s Talang Dangal Class of 2026 marched into the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday, May 16, carrying with them not only sabers and honors, but also training shaped by cyberwarfare, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and the country’s shifting territorial defense posture.

The class, whose name stands for “Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal,” is being described by the PMA as one of transition — a class trained under the old Bachelor of Science in Management and Security Studies curriculum while also being exposed to future-focused warfare concepts through newly introduced microcredential programs.

Despite belonging to the old curriculum, the cadets underwent specialized learning in Python programming, data analytics, electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and the fundamentals of artificial intelligence — skills increasingly seen as essential in modern military operations.

Their Joint Field Training Exercise (JFTX), considered the culmination of cadet field training, also reflected the Armed Forces’ growing focus on territorial defense and joint operations among the Philippine Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The PMA said Class 2026 is the first batch trained under the AFP’s revised 35-35-30 branch distribution aligned with territorial defense priorities.

SALUTE. Members of the PMA ‘Talang Dangal’ Class of 2026 perform their last silent drill at Fort del Pilar ahead of graduation rites on May 16, 2026. Photo courtesy of Philippine Military Academy

The class also became the first to be exposed to a Multi-Domain Task Unit during JFTX, introducing cadets to warfare concepts involving cyberspace, unmanned systems, and the cognitive domain.

Beyond traditional drills and tactics, the Academy also experimented with gamified learning, using electronic games and simulations to sharpen strategy, tactical decision-making, and small-unit operations.

PMA officials said these innovations may eventually pave the way for future collaboration with the United States Military Academy through e-sports-based military learning and virtual strategic competitions.

Class 2026 also represented the PMA in several international engagements.

Members of the class joined the International Forum on Peace, Security, and Prosperity in Palermo, Italy, where the PMA placed ninth out of 32 entries in the Research Poster Contest. Cadets also participated in international sailing regattas in India and Italy.

The class likewise contributed to the PMA’s improved performance in the prestigious Sandhurst International Military Skills Competition, where the Academy reportedly outperformed several teams from Brazil, Poland, Australia, Hawaii, the Virginia Military Institute, the United States Coast Guard Academy, and ROTC units from American schools.

According to the PMA, the graduating class also laid the groundwork for the Academy’s planned first cadet-led International Cadet Conference, envisioned to strengthen security cooperation and engagement with allied countries.

But beyond military innovation and international exposure, the PMA highlighted the deeply personal stories carried by many members of the class.

Among them are cadets who endured financial hardship while surviving the rigors of military training.

Cadet Thomas Edgar Isla Sepulchre, who graduated Rank 3, is the son of a construction worker and a teacher. His story, along with those of cadets John Roy Erauda Baran, Margaux Anne Muesco Barbin, and Iway Inchan Ateo-an, was cited by the PMA as proof of the grit and discipline behind the long gray line.

The class also has stories of resilience through personal loss and setbacks.

Cadet Kairan Shem Flor Resurreccion overcame major sports injuries that delayed his graduation before eventually emerging as the Athletic Saber Awardee.

Cadet Cedric Cyril Guingguing Polizon, meanwhile, lost both parents before graduating as Rank 9 and cum laude.

The PMA also underscored the diversity of backgrounds represented in the class.

Among them are cadets from financially struggling families, youth leaders, scholars, and those raised in more privileged environments — different paths converging inside Fort del Pilar under a shared commitment to military service.

Five women also made it to the Top 10 graduates this year, reflecting the growing visibility of women in the Academy’s leadership ranks.

Of the 207 graduates, 65 are women.

CLASS OF 2026. Members of PMA Talang Dangal’ Class of 2026 gather during the unveiling of their class crest at Fort del Pilar ahead of graduation rites. Photo courtesy of Philippine Military Academy

The Cordillera Administrative Region produced the highest number of graduates this year with 23 cadets, continuing the region’s strong presence and long tradition of service within the Philippine Military Academy.

As the Talang Dangal Class of 2026 joins the long gray line on Saturday, the PMA said the class leaves the Academy carrying both old traditions and the realities of an increasingly technological and complex battlefield. – Rappler.com