A 20-year-old Philippine Military Academy cadet has taken top honors in a Korean-language competition conducted in South Korea, with the academy calling the achievement a milestone for its foreign training program.
The PMA Public Affairs Office identified the winner as Cadet 3rd Class Charlie Mark Eugenio Bumanglag, who bested competitors at the 2026 National Defense Language Institute Korean Speaking Contest held at the Korean Defense Language Institute (KDLI) on September 17, 2026.
Baguio City Native Training Abroad Under FPCTI Program
Bumanglag was born and raised in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, and belongs to PMA Class of 2029. According to the Philippine Military Academy, he departed for South Korea on January 12, 2026, under the Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institution (FPCTI) Program.
The PMA said Bumanglag is currently enrolled in a one-year Korean language course at KDLI. Upon completing the course, he is scheduled to proceed to the Republic of Korea Military Academy (ROKMA) in 2027 for four years of military education and training.
Father's Service as PMA's Command Sergeant Major Drove His Ambition
The PMA noted that Bumanglag drew inspiration from his father, a Philippine Army enlisted member who presently serves as the PMA's Command Sergeant Major. The younger Bumanglag has expressed his goal of becoming an Army officer after finishing his training in South Korea.
In a statement released by the PMA Public Affairs Office, Bumanglag said: "After graduation, I plan to apply the knowledge, skills, and values I will gain in Korea to help further develop and strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines as I serve our country."
Second PMA Cadet to Win Korean-Language Tilt Abroad
The Philippine Military Academy pointed out that Bumanglag is not the first PMA cadet to claim a Korean-language award in South Korea. Former ROKMA Cadet and now Second Lieutenant Guidson T. Domingo PA previously won the 2nd Korean Speaking Contest at Changwon National University in May 2025, the PMA said.
Source: Philippine Military Academy Public Affairs Office