Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Saturday called on the graduating "Siklab-Laya" Class of 2025 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to embody the principles of integrity, courage, and truth as they step into their roles in service to the nation.
In a video message posted on her official Facebook account, Duterte congratulated the 266 graduating cadets for completing their rigorous training and choosing a path of selfless service—a choice she described as "one that only the truly brave and patriotic are willing to take."
"Huwag sana kayong maging kasangkapan ng pagmamalabis, pagtatraydor, at pagpapahirap ng mga nasa kapangyarihan sa mga kapwa Pilipino na katulad ninyo ay matapang na naninindigan para sa kabutihan, sa tama, sa katotohanan, at sa tagumpay ng mga Pilipino (May you never become instruments of abuse, betrayal, or oppression by those in power against fellow Filipinos who, like you, bravely stand for what is right, just, and true, and for the success of the Filipino people)," she said.
Duterte, who holds the rank of colonel in the Philippine Army reserve force, emphasized the gravity and nobility of the PMA graduates' decision to serve the nation.
"You have chosen the life of selfless service that only the brave, the courageous, and the real patriot would choose — demonstrating strength, integrity, and honor before a nation seeking to overcome institutional abuse of power and extreme inequalities impacting mostly the poor," she said.
She then urged the graduates to become instruments of truth, justice, and meaningful change in the lives of the Filipino people, particularly those who continue to strive and hope for a better future.
"Lagi sana kayong maging instrumento na magsusulong ng kabutihan, ng tama, ng katotohanan, at tunay na pagbabago sa buhay ng mga Pilipinong patuloy na nangangarap, nagsusumikap, at umaasang magtatagumpay (May you always be instruments that promote goodness, righteousness, truth, and real change in the lives of Filipinos who continue to dream, strive, and hope for success)," Duterte said.
The Vice President likewise expressed hope that the graduates will embody the values instilled in their time at the PMA — loyalty, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the Constitution. She reminded them to stay true to their duty, free from the lure of political pressure, material gain, or foreign influence.
“Sa inyong paglilingkod ay magsisiklab hindi lamang ang mga minimithi natin bilang isang malayang bansa kundi pati na rin ang pagliliyab at paglagablab ng ating lakas upang maging tunay na Malaya (As you begin your service, may the flames of freedom and strength continue to blaze — not just for our aspirations as a sovereign nation, but for our enduring power to remain truly free),” Duterte said.
"I trust that you will continue to personify the virtues that shaped your military education and enabled you to become commendable cadets with courage, integrity, and loyalty to your noble path of duty," she added.
She also called on the graduates to remain unbowed in the face of adversity and to serve as beacons of hope and strength in uncertain times.
"Keep the fervor within you burning and continue building a bright future amid every hurdle and challenge in these times of uncertainty so you may stand as a beacon of hope and strength to our hopeful nation," she said.
Further, Duterte encouraged the graduates to serve as honorable guardians of the nation’s democratic principles, upholding integrity and remaining free from corruption, prejudice, and foreign influence.
"May you always strive to restore and uphold the values of an independent, non-partisan, and professional institution. One, whose sole duty is to defend the Constitution. May you never yield to the greed for material gain, political pressure, or foreign influence," she said.
“Congratulations, ‘Siklab-Laya’ Class of 2025. May you always stand unbowed,” she added.
The PMA “Siklab-Laya” Class of 2025 consists of 266 cadets, distinguished for their outstanding performance in both academic and military training, and prepared to serve in the Philippine Army, Navy, and Air Force.