President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. celebrated the inspiring journey of Lieutenant Jessie R. Ticar Jr., the valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab-Laya Class of 2025, describing him as a shining example of perseverance, discipline, and patriotism.
Ticar, only the fourth summa cum laude in PMA history, surmounted poverty and hardships of family separation, and topped his class of 266 graduates.
The story of this brilliant cadet from Quezon City moved the Commander-in-Chief and the crowd of proud families and dignitaries.
“Sa pagnanais niyang makatapos ng pag-aaral at mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang kaniyang mga magulang, nagsikap siyang maging sundalo,” President Marcos said in his speech during the PMA graduation ceremony on Saturday at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City.
This year’s graduating class of 266 cadets will be deployed across the three major branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): 137 will join the Philippine Army, 71 will serve in the Philippine Navy, and 58 will become part of the Philippine Air Force.
The graduates also reflect a wide range of educational backgrounds— two are college graduates, 143 are college undergraduates, and 121 completed senior high school, showcasing the diverse paths that have led them to this shared milestone of national service.
All 266 graduates earned the degree of Bachelor of Science in Security Management.
President Marcos also thanked Ticar’s parents—a taxi driver and a street vendor—for their unwavering support and selflessness in entrusting their son to serve the nation.
“Alam kong may pag-aalinlangan sa kanilang puso, ngunit pinili nilang ibahagi kayo sa ating bayan,” the President said.
Beyond individual achievement, the President recognized the graduates’ transformative journey, which was built on discipline, sacrifice, and a deep sense of country.
In recognition of his outstanding performance, Ticar received multiple awards, such as the Presidential Saber, Philippine Army Saber, JUSMAG Saber, and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. | PND
