President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the laying of wreath at the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mount Samat National Shrine, Pilar, Bataan to commemorate the 83rd Anniversary of the "Araw ng Kagitingan" or Day of Valor on April 9, 2025. Noel B. Pabalate, PPA Pool

BAGUIO CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday told the latest graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) that "physical strength and agility are no longer" the lone barometers of being a good soldier as the "warfare today goes beyond land, seas, and skies."

The Philippines now faces "battles that are invisible to radar," Marcos Jr. said during the graduation rites of the PMA's Sundalong Isinilang na Kasangga at Lakas ng Ating Bayan para sa Kalayaan (Siklab-Laya).

"We have battles that are invisible to radar—ones that take place in cyberspace, in protecting information, in safeguarding the environment, and in helping communities during crises so physical strength and agility are no longer enough," he said.

"What we need just as much—are your mental sharpness and your compassion," he said.

The Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 is also "a class of many firsts" as they are the first batch of PMA cadets who competed in international events and trained in the Pag-Asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, the President noted.

"Fortunately, your training now includes courses that were once unseen in the military academy—artificial intelligence, drone operations, strategic thinking, ethical leadership, amongst others," he said.

"In every instance, you have proved that the Filipino soldier is ready to face the world with dignity and to show his excellence, but beyond recognition, the most important lesson you carry is the understanding that warfare today goes beyond land, seas, and skies," he said.

But more than skills and their aptitude in newer technology, what the country needs are soldiers "who know how to love his or her country despite its flaws, in the most sincere way," Marcos Jr. said.

"This is my prayer to the members of Siklab-Laya: wherever your duty may take you, may it be in the mountains, in the seas, or communities, serve with dignity, serve with honor, serve with love," he said.

"I hope that when you are at your lowest, you will remember that you have your fellow Filipinos who are praying for you and are supporting you and are behind you," he said.

"You have an entire nation that respects and wholeheartedly believes in you." 

Of the Siklab-Laya Class of 2025's 266 graduates, 137 will serve in the Philippine Army, 71 in the Philippine Navy, and 58 in the Air Force.

HIGHEST GRADE IN PMA'S HISTORY

Class Valedictorian CDT 1CL Jessie Ticar Jr. graduated as summa cum laude, and is hailed as the cadet to receive the "highest grade in the academy's history."

In his valedictory address, Ticar — the son of a retired taxi driver and a ballpen vendor — thanked the Filipino people for paying for their training and education.

"To the Filipino people: This is all for you. Ngayong araw ang simula ng pagkilala at pagpapahalaga sa bawat buwis at pagpapakasakit na inilaan ninyo sa amin," said Ticar, the 4th summa cum laude of the PMA.

"Handa na po kaming magsilbi, handa na po kaming tuparin ang aming sinumpaang pangako. Handang-handa na po kaming ipagtanggol ang Inang bayan, mangahulugan man ang aming buhay kung ang katumbas nito ay ang kalayaan ng ating bayan," he said.

"This is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new chapter. Though our paths may differ, may we always uphold the values of courage, integrity and loyalty."

He received the Presidential Saber, the Philippine Army Saber, the Jusmag Saber, and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award.

Other top notchers are:

- CDT 1CL Murthan Zabala

- CDT 1CL Joana Marie Viray

- CDT 1CL Jethron Giorio Nazareno

- CDT 1CL Kobe Jo Ann Pajaron

- CDT 1CL Malvin Brian Dapar

- CDT 1CL Kristine Kate Senados

- CDT 1CL Vincent Angelo Laylo

- CDT 1CL Angelique Mae Cabardo

- CDT 1CL John Robert Real

The Commander-in-Chief also thanked the cadets' parents for allowing their children to serve the country and for molding their children to become "strong, upright, patriotic" Filipinos.

"Sigurado po ako na kayo ang unang nagsanay sa kanila sa disiplina. Mula sa paghuhugas ng pinggan, hanggang sa pagtupi ng kumot. Kung tutuusin, siguro bago pa kayo sumabak dito sa PMA, dumaan na kayo sa mas mahigpit at mas mahirap na boot camp ni nanay at tatay sa bahay," he said.

"You pushed them to go further, even in their most difficult moments. You understood even when they had to cut off contact for weeks or months. You endured the distance and the longing," he said.

"In fact, with every award and medal that we give today, there is a corresponding sacrifice from you."

Marcos Jr. ended his part in the graduation rites by signing the "pardon of punishment" for the cadets "in observance of the time-honored tradition on this very important day."