President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on the 207 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 to rise above politics and remain steadfast in their loyalty to the Constitution and to the Filipino people.
Vice President Sara Duterte, in a video message, also called on the graduating cadets to remain steadfast in defending the country’s sovereignty and protecting the liberties of Filipinos.
During the commencement exercises at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City, Mr. Marcos said the true strength of soldiers is ingrained in integrity, discipline, and honor – values which he said they must always carry as they fulfill their mandate to serve and protect the nation.
“As you take your oath today, remember that your loyalty is not to any political interest, not to any individual, nor any passing ideology. Your loyalty must always remain with the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.
“Throughout this mission, carry with you the Honor Code instilled in you by the academy. Never lie, never cheat, never steal, and never tolerate those who do. Because silence in the face of wrongdoing is a betrayal of your values, a betrayal of your country, and a betrayal of the very principles that you have sworn to defend,” the President added.
Duterte, for her part, told the graduating cadets: “As you step out of Fort Del Pilar, your lifelong commitment to the nation begins. Put to good use the training and values this institution has instilled in you.”
“I urge you to personify integrity and courage at all times. Stand firm against all threats to our sovereignty and our liberties. Do not waver, even in the face of the most difficult challenges,” the Vice President added.
Mr. Marcos reminded the graduating cadets that they would face hardships along the way, placing them in situations where they would have to make difficult decisions.
He said they would never lose direction so long as their allegiance remained with the Philippine flag.
Bearing the name “Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal,” this year’s batch is composed of 142 male and 65 female cadets who will officially join the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Leading the graduates is Cadet 1st Class Christine Kaye Demisana Librada of Lipa City, Batangas.
Librada, the ninth female cadet to top the Academy since 1993, is set to be commissioned as a junior officer of the Philippine Army.
