BAGUIO CITY — Immediately after graduating during the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) Siklab Laya Class of 2025 commencement exercises, valedictorian Jessie R. Ticar Jr. was commissioned as a second lieutenant, along with 265 of his fellow graduates.
Ticar made history by achieving a general weighted average of 9.52, the highest in the academy’s history. This remarkable feat earned him the distinction of being only the fourth cadet to graduate summa cum laude since the PMA was established in 1898.
In an interview with GMA Integrated News after the ceremony on Saturday, Second Lieutenant Ticar was asked about his greatest mission as a newly commissioned officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“Ang pinakamahalagang misyon, I think, is for me to remain and stay loyal to the Constitution and for me to just follow the chain of command gaya ng tinuro ng PMA,” he replied.
(I think the most important mission is for me to remain loyal to the Constitution and to follow the chain of command, as taught by the PMA.)
Ticar, the first in his family to join the military, described his journey to the PMA as “God’s will.”
He credited his parents for their unwavering support and sacrifice. His mother worked as a vendor at Quezon City Hall, while his father was a taxi driver before falling ill. “Everything I’ve achieved is because of their hard work and love,” he said.
Acknowledging the political climate in the country, Ticar emphasized his commitment to remain apolitical. “Dahil sa mga political discourse, I want to remain na hindi pumapanig sa kung kanino-kaninong political groups or interest groups,” he said.
(Because of the political discourse, I want to remain neutral and not side with any political group or interest groups.)
He added, “Just doing my roles and responsibility as a young officer of the Philippine Army.”
During the commencement exercises, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos praised Ticar’s perseverance and dedication in achieving the highest honor in his class.
In his valedictory address, Ticar expressed his gratitude and commitment to serve the nation. “To the Filipino people, this is all for you. Ngayong araw ang pagsisimula ng pagkilala at pagpapahalaga sa bawat buwis at pagpapakasakit na inilaan ninyo sa amin.”
(Today marks the beginning of our recognition and appreciation for every sacrifice and hardship you have endured for us.)
He concluded with a powerful promise:
“Handa na po kaming magsilbi, handa na po kaming tuparin ang aming sinumpaang pangako, handang-handa na kaming ipagtanggol ang Inang Bayan, mangahulugan man ng aming buhay kung ang katumbas nito ay kalayaan ng ating bayan.”
(We are ready to serve, ready to fulfill our sworn duty, and fully prepared to defend our Motherland—even if it means giving our lives in exchange for our nation’s freedom.) — BM, GMA Integrated News
