Lt. Gen. Michael G. Logico formally assumed command as the 86th Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) during change-of-command and retirement rites held at Fort General Gregorio H. del Pilar in Baguio City on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, succeeding Navy Vice Adm. Caesar Bernard N. Valencia, who retired after more than four decades of active service.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete presided over the joint ceremony — his first major official function after assuming the AFP's top post only days earlier, following the retirement of Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. on Tuesday.
Logico Receives Third Star at the Same Rites
Logico, previously a major general, was promoted to lieutenant general by Nafarrete during the same ceremony, receiving his third star before formally taking command of the academy.
A member of PMA "Maalab" Class of 1993, Logico most recently served as commander of the Army Training Command and remains concurrently designated as the 61st Commander of the Training Command, Philippine Army, according to PMA spokesperson Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Nestor Saludo Jr.
Throughout his career, Logico held key positions in joint training, doctrine development, and multinational military engagements — including serving as Executive Agent for the AFP Joint Exercise DAGITPA and the Philippines-United States Exercise Balikatan. He holds three postgraduate degrees: a Master in Public Management from Ateneo de Manila University, a Master of Arts in Development and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines, and a Master in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.
Known for West Philippine Sea Advocacy and Barefoot Running
Logico is widely recognized for his outspoken advocacy on the West Philippine Sea and Chinese incursions there. He is equally known for promoting physical fitness and barefoot or natural running — a habit that earned him the nickname "barefoot colonel" earlier in his career.
He is also a second-generation PMA officer. His father, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Epineto Logico, a member of PMA Class of 1960, was present at Wednesday's ceremony — a milestone Logico acknowledged in his assumption remarks.
Logico: Train for the Next War, Not Yesterday's
In his assumption speech, Logico committed to continuing the academic reforms initiated under Valencia, while pushing the institution to prepare cadets for the modern and evolving character of warfare.
"We cannot prepare for yesterday's war. We must prepare for the next one," Logico said, as quoted by the PMA in a statement released following the ceremony. He added: "Our traditions remain important, but tradition must never become an obstacle to excellence."
Logico argued that while internal security remains a military task, the focus has shifted toward external threats as the battlefield now encompasses both physical and non-physical domains, including cyberterrorism.
AFP Chief Nafarrete, himself a member of PMA "Bigkis Lahi" Class of 1990 — the same class as the retiring Valencia — described the academy as the cradle of military leadership, calling it an institution that must adapt to global change without discarding the honor, humility, and integrity it has upheld for more than a century.
Valencia Exits After 40 Years, 3 Months, and 21 Days
Valencia capped a military career spanning 40 years, 3 months, and 21 days, according to Saludo. He served as the academy's 85th Superintendent from July 22, 2024 to July 22, 2026 — exactly two years to the day.
During his tenure, Valencia led transformative reforms that included the implementation of an enhanced Bachelor of Science in Management Major in Security Studies curriculum, the institutionalization of the "Faster, Stronger, Better" Physical Fitness Program, a microcredential program for PMA Classes 2025 to 2027, and increased international engagements for cadets.
Valencia also strengthened strategic partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector to support infrastructure modernization and preparations for the International Cadet Conference 2026. His reforms were undertaken on the instructions of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., aimed at building a curriculum that equips officers against modern threats.
In his farewell message, Valencia described his stewardship as "a rare privilege like no other," adding that every reform undertaken during his watch was intended "to ensure that you are better prepared for the complexity of modern warfare and make our Alma Mater a better institution than when we first arrived."
Following tradition, Valencia lowered his personal flag to signify relinquishing the post, after which Logico ordered his own flag raised. Valencia was given a testimonial parade by the Corps of Cadets before the conclusion of the rites. Prior to his PMA posting, Valencia served as Philippine Navy vice commander, commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon, and chief of the Naval Staff.
By the Numbers
- 86th — Logico's number as PMA Superintendent
- 40 years, 3 months, and 21 days — Valencia's total active military service
- July 22, 2024 to July 22, 2026 — Valencia's two-year tenure as PMA Superintendent
- PMA "Maalab" Class of 1993 — Logico's graduating class
- PMA Class of 1960 — graduating class of Logico's father, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Epineto Logico
- 3 postgraduate degrees — held by the incoming Superintendent
- PMA Classes 2025 to 2027 — cadets covered by Valencia's microcredential program
Why This Matters
The change of command marks a significant shift in leadership at the institution responsible for producing all commissioned officers of the AFP, occurring simultaneously with a new AFP chief of staff taking office — compressing two major command transitions into a single week. Logico's stated focus on external threats, modern warfare domains, and continued curriculum reform signals a deliberate realignment of PMA's training priorities away from internal security and toward emerging challenges including cyberterrorism and maritime sovereignty. Valencia's exit also closes a chapter of structured institutional reform undertaken under direct presidential and defense department directives, with his successor now carrying the mandate to build on that foundation.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Philippine Military Academy / AFP Public Affairs