President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged this year's graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to embrace patriotism and prepare for modern, “invisible” threats such as cyberwarfare, environmental defense, and crisis response.

Marcos, speaking at the commencement exercises of the PMA "Siklab-Laya" Class of 2025 at Fort Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City, also emphasized that a soldier's foremost duty is to uphold a deep and unwavering love for the country.

Marcos noted that the PMA cadets' training now includes subjects previously unseen in the academy, such as artificial intelligence, drone operations, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership, among others.

"These 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," Marcos told PMA graduates.

The President also reminded the graduates that modern warfare demands both mental sharpness and compassion, urging the newly commissioned military officers to serve the nation with dignity and honor.

“Physical strength and agility are no longer enough. What we need just as much—are your mental sharpness and your compassion," he said.

The President acknowledged the 266 graduating cadets as the first batch to undergo training on Pag-asa Island, a significant milestone amid ongoing tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos lauded the "Siklab-Laya Class" for bringing honor to the Philippine Military Academy through their achievements in international platforms, including academic conferences in Palermo, Italy, and 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,” he said.

He likewise emphasized that the country needs men and women who prioritize the nation and the welfare of others above themselves, who are willing to sacrifice for the common good, and who persevere through challenges because they believe in a brighter future ahead.

Top PMA cadets

Marcos conferred the Presidential Saber on class valedictorian Cadet First Class Jessie R. Ticar Jr., who made history as only the fourth cadet to graduate summa cum laude from the PMA, following similar distinctions recorded in 1985, 1997, and 2021.

Ticar also received JUSMAG Saber, Tactics Group Award, Natural Sciences Plaque, Army Professional Courses Plaque, Army Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, Gen. Antonio Luna Award, and Humanities Plaque.

The Commander-in-Chief hailed Ticar as a model of grit, discipline, and unwavering patriotism.

The class salutatorian is Cadet First Class Murthan P. Zabala from Cebu City, followed by Cadet First Class Joana Marie D. Viray from Pasay City, who ranked third. Completing the Top 5 are Cadet First Class Carlo A. Badiola from Camarines Sur and Cadet First Class Jetron Giorgio A. Nazareno from Oriental Mindoro.

Ranking sixth to tenth are: Cadet First Class Kobe Jo Ann Q. Pajaron from Negros Occidental, Cadet First Class Malvin Brian N. Dapar from Bohol, Cadet First Class Elzur D. Salon from Nueva Vizcaya, Cadet First Class Aprilyn A. Magsigay from Agusan del Sur, and Cadet First Class Kristine Kate C. Senados from Zamboanga Sibugay.

The PMA Class of 2025 is composed of 266 cadets, with 212 males (80%) and 54 females (20%). The class produced four magna cum laude graduates and six cum laude graduates.

More military women

Meanwhile, Marcos encouraged more women to pursue careers at the PMA as he highlighted women's important roles in the military and nation-building.

"Ang mga kababaihang kadete ng PMA ang patunay na ang tapang, talino, at galing ay hindi nakaaayon sa kasarian. Nawa’y magsilbi kayong inspirasyon sa bawat batang babae nangangarap na magkaroon ng mahalagang papel sa ating bansa (The female cadets of the PMA are proof that courage, intelligence, and excellence are not determined by gender. May you serve as an inspiration to every young girl who dreams of playing an important role in our country)," he said.

Among the graduating cadets, 127—including the class valedictorian—will join the Philippine Army, 58 will serve in the Philippine Air Force, and 71 will be commissioned into the Philippine Navy.

As part of tradition, the President granted a ceremonial pardon of punishment, symbolically marking the official send-off of the PMA Siklab-Laya Class to begin their service to the nation.