Baguio city: More young Filipinos are seeking admission to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), with 25,431 applicants taking this year's entrance examination, a 3 percent increase from last year, the academy said Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Commander Jesse Nestor Saludo, chief of the PMA Public Affairs Office, said the examinations proceeded as scheduled despite rainy weather in several areas. "The examinations, although most of them fell on rainy days, were not affected. The exam applicants arrived promptly as scheduled, and we are happy with the turnout," Saludo said in a message.

The PMA Entrance Examination was administered in several rounds to make it more accessible to applicants nationwide. The first round was held in July in Eastern and Western Mindanao, followed by examinations in the Visayas, National Capital Region, and Southern Luzon in August. The final round was conducted in Central and Northern Luzon on Sept. 5 and 6.

Saludo said the rising number of applicants reflects continued interest among young Filipinos in serving the country through the academy and, eventually, as officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The PMA is expected to release the examination results by the end of September.

Those who pass will proceed to the next stages of the selection process, including physical, medical, and neuropsychiatric examinations, before they can qualify for admission as members of PMA Class 2031, which is tentatively scheduled to convene in May 2027. About 200 to 350 cadets are admitted to the academy each year for four years of military and academic training.

Saludo, a PMA alumnus, said cadets are expected to meet academic and military standards and follow the academy's rules throughout their training.