President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated on Sunday during the PMA graduation ceremony in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, that the "Madasigon" Class of 2023 will be joining modern military forces for more effective and formidable vehicles for national development.

Marcos told the 310 graduates that he had already taken steps to improve "social protection" for all uniformed officers, emphasizing that he had signed into law amendments to Republic Act No. 11709.

The law establishes fixed terms for military officials and strengthens the armed forces' professionalization and merit system.

He also stated that the government would continue to implement the Armed Forces of the Philippines' modernization program through critical military acquisitions and upgrades.

The chief executive noted the existing realities and rapidly evolving security environment, which remind everyone to be prepared for any and all threats that the country may face.

The president also noted that criminals, insurgents, and terrorists are the major interlopers in our peaceful goals, as are any actions that disrupt peace, stability, and prosperity in our sovereign domain and its environs.

Meanwhile, Madasigon, which stands for "Mandirigmang May Dangal, Simbolo ng Galing at Pagbangon" (Honorable Soldiers, Symbols of Greatness, and Resilience), includes Darwin Dormitorio, the plebe who died in 2019 from hazing injuries, and Fourth Class Cadet Mario Telan, who drowned at a swimming class the same year.