PMA Class Valedictorian’s Journey and Aspirations
BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Siklab-Laya” Class of 2025 valedictorian, 2nd Lt. Jessie Ticar Jr., has a story driven by hope and determination. His mother, Anita Ticar, shared that her son enrolled at the academy to help lift their family out of poverty. This heartfelt motivation reflects the core of the class’s mission to serve the nation.
Anita expressed her pride and hopes not only for her son but also for the entire graduating class of 266 cadets. “Sana gabayan ka ng panginoon na ipagpatuloy mo ang paglilingkod sa ating bayan. Sana tulungan ka ni Lord na ipagpatuloy iyon,” she said during the graduation ceremony at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City. She added, “Proud na proud ako sa kanya. Salamat sa Panginoon dahil ginabayan niya ang anak ko sa ganitong narating niya.”
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Excellence
At 23 years old, Ticar Jr. was once an engineering student at a state university in Manila. However, the stroke his father suffered, which left him unable to work, pushed Jessie to seek a new path. The PMA offered an opportunity to secure his family’s future and serve his country with honor.
His hard work paid off remarkably. Jessie made history by earning the highest grade point average in the academy’s records, with an impressive 9.52 percent. This achievement also awarded him the rare distinction of summa cum laude — only the fourth in PMA’s history since its establishment in 1898.
Defining the PMA Class Valedictorian Experience
The academy’s superintendent, Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, praised the graduates for their dedication amid numerous challenges. “Ito ay bunga ng inyong ibayong pagsusumikap at tyaga. Sa inyong pamamalagi sa akademya, nagpamalas kayo ng katangian ng sundalo ng Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
He highlighted the difficulties the class faced since entering the academy in 2021, including the rigorous physical and academic demands and the emotional strain caused by pandemic restrictions that kept them apart from their families. Valencia emphasized the transformation from civilian life to that of a disciplined soldier ready to serve the nation.
“The shift from civilian to a military life is difficult. In the four years that they were with us, we molded and nurtured them to be the best persons of themselves, ready to serve the country. They have made a mark in the academy’s history. They have many stories to tell, stories of resilience, stories of triumphs versus adversity,” he added.
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