President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed the PMA Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 as “a class of many firsts” and urged them to prepare for modern warfare—fought in cyberspace, through information protection, environmental defense, and crisis response.
“These (preparing for modern warfare) are all important. But what is also important, and possibly the most important, is your love of country. That is, an officer who knows how to love his or her country despite its flaws, in the most sincere way,” President Marcos said during the PMA commencement exercises at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday.
The President recognized the 266 graduating cadets as the first to be trained in Pag-asa Island amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
President Marcos also lauded the Siklab-Laya Class cadets for bringing honor to the PMA in international fora and competitions, including academic conferences in Palermo, Italy, and international sailing regattas in Italy and India.
“But beyond recognition, the most important lesson you carry is the understanding that warfare today goes beyond land, seas, and skies. We have battles that are invisible to radar—ones that take place in cyberspace, in protecting information, in safeguarding the environment, and in helping communities during crises,” the Commander-in-Chief said.
“Physical strength and agility are no longer enough. What we need just as much—are your mental sharpness and your compassion,” President Marcos continued.
After directing the PMA last year to review the curriculum in the face of emerging challenges, President Marcos noted that the cadet training now includes courses “once unseen in the military academy,” such as artificial intelligence, drone operations, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership.
“Our country needs men and women who put their country and others above themselves; who sacrifice for the good of all; and who overcome odds because they believe in the bright future ahead,” the President added.
The President awarded the Presidential Saber to class valedictorian, Cadet First Class Jessie R. Ticar Jr., who is only the fourth cadet to graduate summa cum laude in PMA’s history.
The Commander-in-Chief called Ticar an example of grit, discipline, and love for the country.
As part of tradition, the President granted a ceremonial pardon of punishment, officially sending off the PMA Siklab-Laya Class to serve the nation.
The PMA said that of the 266 graduating cadets, 137 will join the Philippine Army, 71 will serve in the Philippine Navy, and 58 will become part of the Philippine. | PND
