BAGUIO CITY – Cadet First Class Jessie Ticar Jr., a 23-year-old from Quezon City, gave a moving and powerful valedictory speech as he graduated at the top of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Siklab-Laya” Class of 2025.
Ticar achieved the rare distinction of summa cum laude, making him only the fourth cadet in PMA history to receive this highest academic honor. He also holds the highest academic average in his class.
In his speech, Ticar reassured the public that he and his fellow cadets are fully committed to their duty of serving and protecting the nation. He emphasized that graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey guided by the PMA’s core values: courage, integrity, and loyalty.
He also gave heartfelt thanks to the people who helped him and his classmates succeed—particularly his family. He paid tribute to his father, a former taxi driver who suffered a stroke, and his mother, who sells pens and envelopes near Quezon City Hall to support their family. Their sacrifices, he said, were key to his achievement.
“The success of this class,” Ticar said, “is not just ours—it is a victory for every Filipino.”
His message of resilience, gratitude, and dedication deeply touched the PMA community and the nation. As he begins his service as a second Lieutenant, Jessie Ticar Jr. stands as a symbol of hope, excellence, and the unbreakable spirit of the Filipino soldier.
