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Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy’s Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 toss their caps following the commencement exercises at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City yesterday.
Artemio Dumlao
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday urged the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Siklab-Laya” Class of 2025 to serve the nation with honor, dignity and love, as he emphasized that modern battles now go beyond physical warfare and require mental sharpness and compassion.
Speaking during the commencement exercises at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City, Marcos called the graduates the “new face of service and valor” and “new Filipinos with discipline, skill and love for the country.”
“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,” the President said.
“And 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. You have an entire nation that respects and wholeheartedly believes in you,” he added.
Marcos praised the 266 graduates for their perseverance and readiness to serve as new officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The Siklab-Laya class, or the Sundalong Isinilang na Kasangga at Lakas ng Ating Bayan Para sa Kalayaan, was celebrated for breaking new ground in military training and excellence.
It is the first PMA class trained on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. They also represented the country in international events, including academic conferences in Palermo and sailing regattas in Italy and India, sharpening their organizational and military skills on a global stage.
“In every instance, you have proved that the Filipino soldier is ready to face the world with dignity and to show his excellence,” Marcos said.
He reminded the graduates that warfare today includes threats in cyberspace, information security, environmental protection and disaster response – battles that are “invisible to radar.”
“So physical strength and agility are no longer enough. What we need just as much are your mental sharpness and your compassion,” he said.
He cited the PMA’s updated curriculum, which now includes courses on artificial intelligence, drone operations, strategic thinking and ethical leadership.
Marcos lauded Cadet First Class Jessie Ticar Jr., the class valedictorian, who graduated summa cum laude despite growing up in poverty. The son of a vendor from Quezon City, Ticar is only the fourth cadet in PMA history to achieve this honor.
The President also recognized the 54 female graduates and expressed hope that more women will join the military ranks.
“The female cadets of PMA prove that courage, intelligence and skills are not reliant on gender,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the graduates’ families for instilling discipline and resilience in the new officers.
Marcos ended his address by thanking the graduates for choosing to serve the country, describing their decision as a solemn vow to the flag, the nation and the Filipino people.
Of the 266 graduates of the Siklab-Laya class, 137 will serve in the Philippine Army, 71 will join the Philippine Navy and 58 will become part of the Philippine Air Force. — Bella Cariaso
