PMA course to include AI, drone tech
FORT DEL PILAR, BAGUIO CITY—Artificial intelligence (AI), combat drones and strategic yet ethical thinking will become part of the training of Filipino soldiers in the near future now that the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has upgraded its curriculum for 2026, President Marcos said as he addressed 266 members of the PMA “Siklab Laya” Class of 2025 during their graduation on Saturday.
Vice Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia, the PMA superintendent, had informed Mr. Marcos in a welcome speech that the new curriculum incorporates courses in cyber warfare, AI and other technologies in order to equip future leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in a changing and complex geopolitical landscape in Asia.
Valencia said the new curriculum fulfills Mr. Marcos’ instruction to improve training so new military officers could deal with future challenges, which the Commander in Chief issued during the graduation last year of PMA “Bagong Sinag” Class of 2024.
In his address to the Cadet Corps on Saturday, Mr. Marcos said: “The most important lesson you carry is the understanding that warfare today goes beyond land, seas, and skies. We have battles that are invisible to radar—ones that take place in cyberspace, in protecting information, in safeguarding the environment, and in helping communities during crises. So physical strength and agility are no longer enough.”
“Fortunately, your training now includes courses that were once unseen in the military academy—artificial intelligence, drone operations, strategic thinking, [and] ethical leadership, among others,” he said.
VP’s message
Vice President Sara Duterte, however, focused on “truth” building in a message she posted online for “Siklab Laya” (short for Sundalong Isinilang na Kasangga at Lakas ng Ating Bayan para sa Kalayaan).
For the first time since she assumed office in 2022, Duterte did not participate in the PMA commencement exercises, but said: “I hope Sinag Laya will be the instrument that promotes kindness, right choices, truth and genuine changes for Filipinos who continue to dream, to strive and who believe they will succeed.”
“Do not allow yourselves to be used by people in power to abuse, to undertake traitorous acts, and to exploit Filipinos who, like you, have the courage to stand for good, for what is right, and for the truth,” she added.
Mr. Marcos and Duterte ran as allies in the 2022 elections, but had a public falling-out following the congressional investigation of the Vice President’s alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds and the threats made by the Vice President against the President and his family.
The rift worsened after the House impeached the Vice President in February and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, on March 11 was turned over by the government to the Interpol and flown to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to face charges for “crimes against humanity” for his brutal drug war.
Mr. Marcos and Duterte backed rival candidates in the recent midterm polls.
One of Duterte’s duties as vice president was to hand over the Vice Presidential Saber to Sikap Laya salutatorian, newly commissioned Army 2nd Lt. Murthan Zabala of Cebu City. Zabala received the saber from the PMA superintendent instead.
