The PMA recently inaugurated its Department of Naval Warfare Laboratory [Photos by PMA]
BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will incorporate e-games with a focus on tactics and strategies into its upgraded curriculum beginning next year as part of efforts to enhance the strategic and operational readiness of its cadets.
PMA Superintendent Caesar Bernard Valencia gives update on the academys curriculum during the Kapihan sa PMA on May 7, 2025
PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia said the enhanced curriculum would emphasize technology proficiency in defense. New subjects such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, asymmetric warfare, and drone warfare would also be introduced.
“We are just adjusting to the current situation wherein most of the warfare is not in the traditional ground, sea, and air because that is the way the geopolitical world operates right now so we’re just adjusting to that current situation,” Valencia said.
Valencia assured the cadets that the new curriculum would align with the academy’s strategic and operational readiness and national defense strategies. He added that the new curriculum would also employ an interdisciplinary approach to defense studies.
Valencia noted that the tactics group would incorporate combined arms training, moving beyond solely enhancing the physical and basic skills of the cadets.
This year, the PMA will introduce e-games with a specific focus on developing strategies and tactics. Utilizing readily available software, PMA cadets will now compete against their counterparts at West Point and Annapolis in the United States.
“We’re making sure that our clubs are directly contributing to the education and training of our cadets. We are enhancing our academic program to reflect the changing geopolitical environment and of course, as tactics naman, ‘yung military skills now are geared towards modern warfare,” Valencia stated.
The academy is also interested in exploring how artificial intelligence can aid in developing its curriculum and the fundamentals of defense intelligence.
Furthermore, the PMA is committed to upgrading its teaching methodologies and assessment tools; strengthening the use of laboratories, innovation labs, and practical exercises; and reinforcing its robotics program and other technology-based education initiatives. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)
