Cadets in formation during the Commencement Exercises of the PMA Bagong Sinag Class of 2024 in Fort Gen. Gregorio H. Del Pilar, in Baguio City on May 18, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File 

The country’s defense force will soon welcome additional members in its ranks as more than 200 students from the Philippine Military Academy will graduate this weekend.

The PMA “Siklab Laya” Class of 2025, composed of 266 cadets, will graduate on Saturday at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City. The graduating class is composed of 212 males and 58 females, according to PMA Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Jesse Saludo.

Out of this figure, 137 will join the Philippine Army, 71 will go to the Philippine Navy, and 54 to the Philippine Air Force. 

“Bale po iyong class name nila, really speak well of their pledge and their promise to the Filipino people. Siklab Laya is Sundalong Isinilang na Kasangga at Lakas ng Ating Bayan para sa Kalayaan,” Saludo said.

 ‘TAKE THE CHALLENGE’

The class topnotcher, Cadet First Class Jessie Ticar looked back on his journey and how hardships emboldened his resolve to finish his studies and achieve success.

Ballpen vendor's son is 2025 PMA class valedictorian

Before entering PMA, Ticar studied Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Manila.

“I think iyong nagkaroon kami ng problema sa pamilya that is, iyong na-hospitalize ang aking ama at hindi na kayang makapagpatuloy sa kaniyang pagtatrabaho bilang taxi driver, naisip ko na kailangan ko nang tumulong sa pamilya at the same time is, matapos ang aking pag-aaral,” he said.

“I feel a mix of pride, gratitude and excitement being the valedictorian and bilang isang kadete na nagmula sa mahirap na pamilya. Iyong pagsubok po, iyong paglalakbay po dito sa akademya ay punong-puno ng pagsubok at sakripisyo ngunit nakikita ko naman na ngayon iyong bunga ng mga sakripisyo at nakikita ko ito, hindi lamang tagumpay ko, kung hindi bilang isang inspirasyon sa mga kabataan na nangangarap at naniniwala na hindi hadlang ang kahirapan sa pag-abot ng pangarap.”

Ticar also recounted his experiences inside the academy and the life-long lessons that he will carry with him outside the academy.

“Bukod sa academics and physical training, I think iyong bukod-tangi sa experience ko sa PMA is iyong leadership," he shared.

PMA 2024 topnotcher overcomes medical challenge to finish top of her class

"Kasi dito sa loob is every year, mayroon kaming hinahawakan na underclass o nagsisilbing subordinates namin na kung saan ay nai-exercise namin iyong leadership skills namin at iyong mga itinuturo sa amin sa mga leadership courses. So, iyong opportunity na ibinibigay ni PMA sa amin para ma-exercise iyong leadership namin at para ma-equipped kami bilang competent and principled military officer pag-graduate is malaking bagay po at magandang experience po na binigay ni PMA sa amin.”

The young achiever encourages the youth to embrace sacrifices and strive for greatness.

“Sa mga kabataan na gustong pumasok sa serbisyo, I can testify na talagang mahirap, talagang maghihirap ka at susubukin ang iyong buhay at kailangan mong magsakripisyo. Ngunit gusto ko lang din sabihin na lahat ng paghihirap ay may reason and that these challenges will serve as a tool for you to improve and to be better.  So, kung mayroon kang courage and determination, I challenge you to take the PMA challenge,” he said.