The newest graduates of the Philippine Military Academy were asked to go the extra mile at yesterday’s commencement rites: to be vigilant against emerging but invisible threats like cyberwarfare, to defend the environment, and to respond to crises. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., speaking at the graduation of PMA “Siklab-Laya” Class of 2025 at Fort Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City, cited the upgrades in the military leaders’ training curriculum.

Mr. Marcos noted that cadet training now included new subjects, such as artificial intelligence, drone operations, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership, among others, reflecting the demands of the modern era.

“These are all important. But your love of country is also important, possibly the most important. That is an officer who knows how to love their country despite its flaws in the sincerest way,” Marcos said.

The President reminded the graduates that modern warfare demands mental sharpness and compassion, urging them to serve 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 266 graduating cadets were the first to undergo training on Pag-asa Island, a significant milestone amid the ongoing tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Marcos lauded the “Siklab-Laya Class” for bringing honor to the PMA through their achievements in international platforms, including academic conferences in Palermo, Italy, and sailing regattas in Italy and India.

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

Don’t be manipulated

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte exhorted the graduates to be instruments of goodness, righteousness, truth, and true change in Filipinos’ lives.

“May you not be used for abuse, traitorship, and oppression by those in power over fellow Filipinos who, like you, are courageously standing up for goodness, righteousness, truth, and the victory of our countrymen,” Duterte said.

“May you always strive to restore and uphold the values of an independent, non-partisan and professional institution whose sole duty is to defend the Constitution. May you never yield to the greed for material gain, political pressure, or foreign influence,” she added. 

 Duterte said she recognized the newly commissioned officers’ love of country, which they showed when they chose to enter the academy.

Top cadets

The Presidential Saber was conferred on class valedictorian Cadet First Class Jessie Ticar Jr. who made history as only the fourth cadet to graduate summa cum laude from the PMA.

Ticar also received the Jusmag Saber, the 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.

President Marcos hailed Ticar as a model of grit, discipline and unwavering patriotism.

Cadet First Class Murthan Zabala from Cebu City is the class salutatorian, followed by Cfc. Joana Marie Viray from Pasay City, who ranked third. 

Completing the top five are Cfc. Carlo Badiola from Camarines Sur and Cfc. Jetron Giorgio Nazareno from Oriental Mindoro.

Ranking sixth to tenth are Cfc. Kobe Jo Ann Pajaron from Negros Occidental, Cfc. Malvin Brian Dapar from Bohol, Cfc. Elzur Salon from Nueva Vizcaya, Cfc. Aprilyn Magsigay from Agusan del Sur, and Cfc. Kristine Kate Senados from Zamboanga Sibugay.

PMA Class 2025 consisted of 266 cadets, 212 male (80 percent) and 54 female (20 percent). There were four magna cum laude graduates and six cum laude graduates.

More military women

At only 20 percent of the graduates, the President urged more women to join the academy and serve the country.

“The female cadets of the PMA are proof that courage, intelligence, and talent are not gender specific. May more women join the ranks of the military. May you serve as an inspiration to every young woman who dreams of playing an important role in our country,” he said.

Addressing the parents of the new officers, Marcos said, “If a child is strong, upright, patriotic, then of course it is because their family and loved ones are so; you are like that. I’m sure you were the first to train them in discipline.” 

Recognizing the parents’ contribution to molding the graduates, he added, “You pushed them to go further, even in their most difficult moments. You understood even when they had to cut off contact for weeks or months. You endured the distance and the longing.”

According to the AFP, the 266 graduates will be deployed to the three major branches of the military: 137 will join the Philippine Army, 71 will serve in the Philippine Navy, and 58 will enlist in the Philippine Air Force.

Two members of the class had completed college, 143 were undergrads, and 121 had finished senior high school. They all earned a Bachelor of Science in Security Management degree.

PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia said that during the four-year residency of the Siklab-Laya class, they were molded to be the best they could be to serve their country.