Ambition, not complacency, must define the next generation of military officers — that was the central message Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. delivered at the Philippine Military Academy's 128th founding anniversary, held Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Baguio City.
In his anniversary address, Teodoro described the PMA as a "unique, special-purpose academy" carrying a dual mandate: providing world-class education while simultaneously preparing cadets to serve as deployable junior officers for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and, in time, the Philippine Coast Guard, according to the Department of National Defense.
A Warning Against a Laid-Back Posture
Teodoro cautioned against passivity in defense and national security matters, arguing that the country's territorial and sovereignty concerns demand a more assertive approach to planning and execution.
"We need to be ambitious in order to have the right motivation to deal with these challenges, and to defeat defeatism, and to show an example to the public that we are ready, willing, and able to stand firmly and proudly for the core values of the Republic of the Philippines," the Defense Secretary said.
Teodoro further stated that the Philippines "cannot afford to be laid-back and non-ambitious and conservative, particularly when its territory and sovereignty are concerned." He acknowledged that bolder security plans should have been established years earlier, adding: "When national security is concerned, ambitious plans needed to have been laid down on the ground years ago. But we cannot recoup the past, we can only make the present faster."
Adapting to Emerging Threats and New Domains
The Defense Chief pointed to emerging technologies, new operational domains, and the growing weaponization of information as forces compelling both the PMA and the AFP to continuously evolve their approach to military education and training.
Teodoro stressed the need to build an educational and military ecosystem that can produce leaders capable of anticipating, responding to, and managing future threats while steering their organisations through rapid change.
"We are in a race and a struggle to increase our capabilities and increase our footprint, and increase our ability to enforce our laws within a vast maritime domain that we have and we are fighting for," he said.
Drawing the Line Between Education and Training
According to Teodoro, one of the most critical distinctions within military development is understanding the difference between education and training. Education, he said, builds the knowledge base, while training develops the practical competencies required for effective military service — and both are indispensable in producing mission-ready officers.
He called on cadets and Academy leadership alike to remain sharply focused on their responsibilities while keeping their sense of mission and national purpose firmly in view.
Reaffirming the AFP's Core Mandate
Teodoro reaffirmed that safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and dignity remains the AFP's foundational mandate. He called for the continued development of a professional, knowledgeable, and highly trained armed force equipped to meet both present and future security demands.
In closing, the Defense Secretary paid tribute to PMA alumni, faculty, civilian personnel, and the Academy's private and public partners for their contributions to its enduring legacy of service and excellence.
Recognition Conferred During Anniversary Rites
The Department of National Defense reported that Secretary Teodoro, alongside PMA Superintendent Lieutenant General Michael G. Logico, conferred awards on distinguished officers, personnel, and partner individuals and institutions of the Academy during the anniversary ceremonies.
Source: Department of National Defense / Philippine News Agency