Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City (May 17, 2025) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the 266-strong members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Siklab-Laya” (Sundalong Isinilang na Kasangga at Lakas ng Ating Bayan Para sa Kalayaan) graduating class of 2025 to prioritize “love of country” over anything else.
“Our country needs men and women who put their country and others above themselves, who sacrifice for the good of all, and who overcome us because they believe in the bright future ahead,” Marcos Jr. told the new Second Lieutenants and Ensigns led by valedictorian Jessie Ticar Jr., who rightfully promised, “we are ready”.
The President stressed, “the most important is your love of country. That is an officer who knows how to love his country despite its flaws in the most sincere way.”
Marcos Jr. admitted he is impressed by the perseverance, strength and dedication showed by these year’s PMA graduates, which enabled them to reach the culmination of their study and training. He also recognized that the path treaded by the Siklab-Laya class of 2025 was not easy, while citing how their class valedictorian, despite having a very difficult childhood went on the top the premier military training institution, even as a summa cum laude and with the highest point grade among the four so far who graduated as such.
The President while acknowledging there may be nights of self-doubt amongst the graduates and possibly questions if they made the right choice, he lauded them for not giving up, adding that after four years of discipline training, hard work, they are now ready to serve the country as new officers (of the Armed Forces of the Philippines).”
Marcos Jr. also primed that today’s warfare goes beyond land, seas and skies. ‘We have battles that are invisible to radar once they take place in cyberspace, in protecting information and safeguarding the environment and helping communities during crisis.’ Fortunately, your training now includes courses that were once unseen in the military academy, artificial intelligence, drone operations, strategic thinking, ethical leadership, amongst others.
The President admired Siklab-Laya class of 2025 being the first batch to be trained on Pag-asa Island . “You also brought the PMA‘s name to international foreign competitions that both your organizational military skills from academic conferences in Palermo International sailing regatta in Italy India, among others in every instance. You have proof that the Filipino soldier is ready to face the world with dignity and to show his excellence.”
Marcos Jr. further noted that physical strength and agility are no longer enough. “What we need just as much are your mental sharpness and your compassion.
✍️📷ARTEMIO A. DUMLAO
