Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday announced that for the first time, a limited number of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduates may be commissioned to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in a bid to enhance interoperability in the country’s maritime domain
Speaking at the PMA’s 127th anniversary celebration, Teodoro also underscored the role of the PMA in fast-tracking its transformation into a “future-ready” institution capable of producing leaders for a modernized defense force and adapt to rapid technological shifts and regional security challenges.
“We heard of the initiatives that the PMA is undertaking to keep in step with the needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the defense establishment, with due regard to advances in technology and the evolving geopolitical landscape,” Teodoro said in his keynote address.
“Interoperability is essential,” Teodoro stressed. “Knowledge of each other’s skills is sine qua non for seamless operations at sea.”
He also said the PMA’s reforms are aligned with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, the administration’s strategic blueprint for building a credible and adaptive deterrence posture.
The Defense chief likewise said the PMA must close the gap between “generalist” officer training and the specialized skills required for a 21st-century military.
“The challenge is how to mitigate the gap between generalists who graduate here and the specialized skills that are needed for a 21st or 22nd century AFP,” he said.
Teodoro reaffirmed the President Marcos’ “marching order” to strengthen the welfare, career development, and readiness of AFP personnel and veterans.
“We are relying on you to raise the flag as a mark of Filipino pride and distinction throughout the world,” he said, urging PMA cadets to uphold professionalism and global competitiveness as “the best deterrent against any oppressor that wants to take advantage of this country.”
