17-05-2025
Marcos to PMA 2025 grads: Modern warfare requires mental sharpness, compassion
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Saturday told graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) that modern warfare requires mental sharpness and compassion, as he called on the new members of the military to serve the country with dignity and honor.
The President spoke to the graduates of PMA "Siklan-Laya" Class of 2025 during their graduation ceremony at Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City.
In his speech, Marcos cited the batch's accomplishments in bringing the "PMA's name to international forays and competitions."
"But beyond recognition, the most important lesson you carry is the understanding that warfare today goes beyond land, seas, and skies," he said.
"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. What we need just as much—are your mental sharpness and your compassion," the President said.
Marcos, nevertheless, said the PMA cadets' training now includes courses that "were once unseen in the military academy—artificial intelligence, drone operations, strategic thinking, ethical leadership, amongst others."
"These are all important. But what is also important, and possibly the most important, is your love of country. That is, an officer who knows how to love his or her country despite its flaws, in the most sincere way," he said.
"Our country needs men and women who put their country and others above themselves; who sacrifice for the good of all; and who overcome odds because they believe in the bright future ahead," he added.
Meanwhile, topping the Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 is Cadet First Class Jessie Ticar Jr., who is a son of a vendor in Quezon City.
"Isa na pong halimbawa si Cadet First Class Jessie Ticar Jr., ang valedictorian ng Siklab-Laya at ika-apat na summa cum laude sa kasaysayan ng PMA. Sa pagnanais niyang makatapos ng pag-aaral at mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang kanyang mga magulang, nagsikap siyang maging sundalo," Marcos said.
(One example is Cadet First Class Jessie Ticar Jr., the valedictorian of Siklab-Laya and the fourth summa cum laude in PMA history. In his desire to finish his studies and provide a better life for his parents, he worked hard to become a soldier.)
"Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok sa buhay, sa kabila ng kahirapan, at sa kabila ng pangungulila sa kanyang pamilya, nagawa pa niyang makuha ang pinakamataas na karangalan sa kanyang klase. At ngayon, maisusulat na ni Cadet First Class Ticar Jr. ang bagong kabanata ng kanilang buhay," the President said.
(In spite of life's challenges, poverty, and yearning for his family, he was still able to achieve the highest distinction of his class. Now, Cadet First Class Ticar Jr. can write the new chapter of his life.)
The country's Chief Executive and the military Commander-in-Chief, moreover, told the new PMA graduates that "you have an entire nation that respects and wholeheartedly believes in you."
"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," Marcos 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," he said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
