A FEMALE cadet once again led the ranks of the Philippine Military Academy as Cadet 1st Class Christine Kaye Demisana Librada emerged as the top graduate of the “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026.

Librada, 23, a native of Lipa City, is the ninth woman to top the PMA since women were first admitted to the academy in 1993. She will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Philippine Army.

A total of 207 cadets graduated from the academy this year, including 76 who joined the Army. The commencement exercises were held on May 16 at Fort Gregorio del Pilar, and were witnessed by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete.

The academy and the Army honored Librada for leading the class, whose name, “Talang Dangal,” stands for “Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal.”

Prior to entering the PMA, Librada graduated with high honors from De La Salle University Manila.

The newly commissioned officers were later feted in a reception hosted by the Commanding General, Philippine Army.

In his remarks, Nafarrete reminded the young officers of the weight of their new responsibilities as leaders in uniform.

“Out there, your mistakes will no longer cost just demerits or touring hours. The penalties are much heavier. They may cost lives,” he said.

The graduates completed an updated PMA curriculum designed to strengthen competencies in both traditional and non-traditional domains of warfare.

The Philippine Army welcomed the new officers as part of its next generation of leaders, expected to steer the organization as it shifts focus toward external defense and evolving security challenges.