Second Lieutenant Jessie Ticar Jr., valedictorian and summa cum laude of the PMA Siklab-Laya Class of 2025, thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for supporting the academy’s free and quality education.
Speaking to the Presidential News Desk after the graduation at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, Ticar said serving in the military is his way of giving back.
“Malaking bagay po sa amin ang libreng edukasyon dito sa PMA, at alam naming hindi ito magiging posible kung wala ang suporta ng gobyerno,” according to him.
He expressed gratitude to the President: “Pinatapos n’ya kami sa pag-aaral at binigyan n’ya kami ng pagkakataong makapaglingkod sa bayan.”
Ticar was especially moved by Marcos Jr.’s remark that home is a cadet’s first “boot camp.” He said the discipline he learned from his family prepared him for life at the academy.
“Sa bahay pa lang, natuto na ako magdisiplina ng sarili—maghugas ng pinggan, maglaba, tumulong sa pamilya. Yung mga aral na ‘yun ang naging pundasyon ko dito sa PMA,” he said.
Despite financial hardship, his parents instilled discipline and never gave up on him. “Dinidisiplina pa rin nila ako kahit mahirap ang buhay. At kahit limitado ang resources, hindi nila ako pinabayaan.”
Ticar said his journey was difficult, but faith, family, and government support gave him the strength to push through.
“As a future young officer of the Philippine Army, I just want to remain steadfast in my commitment na mag-serve. Ngayon ‘yung commitment ko, I will do my best kagaya ng ginawa ko dito sa PMA. I hope in the future, five years from now, yung determination ko na magserve is hindi mawala at bagkus ay mas umigting pa,” he also said.IMT
