Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 valedictorian and summa cum laude Second Lieutenant Jessie Ticar Jr. expressed his deep gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the continued support to the PMA, which provides its free and quality education program.
In an interview with the Presidential News Desk on Saturday shortly after the graduation rites at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, Ticar said his military service would be his way of giving back to the nation.
“Malaking bagay po sa amin ang libreng edukasyon dito sa PMA, at alam naming hindi ito magiging posible kung wala ang suporta ng gobyerno,” Ticar said.
Thanking President Marcos, Ticar said, “Pinatapos n’ya kami sa pag-aaral at binigyan n’ya kami ng pagkakataong makapaglingkod sa bayan.”
President Marcos’ words in his speech to the PMA graduates that their homes served as the “first boot camp” resonated with Ticar.
The new PMA graduate said the discipline and values he learned at home prepared him for the rigors of life inside PMA.
“Sa bahay pa lang, natuto na ako magdisiplina ng sarili—maghugas ng pinggan, maglaba, tumulong sa pamilya. Yung mga aral na ‘yun ang naging pundasyon ko dito sa PMA,” he said.
“Dinidisiplina pa rin nila ako kahit mahirap ang buhay. At kahit limitado ang resources, hindi nila ako pinabayaan,” Ticar said of his parents and family.
Ticar said his journey was not easy, but faith, family support, and government assistance gave him the strength to persevere.
“As a future young officer of the Philippine Army, I just want to remain steadfast in my commitment na mag-serve. Ngayon ‘yung commitment ko, I will do my best kagaya ng ginawa ko dito sa PMA,” he said.
“I hope in the future, five years from now, yung determination ko na magserve is hindi mawala at bagkus ay mas umigting pa,” Ticar added. | PND
