Manila Times
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Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026
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Quezon City Vendor’s Son Tops Philippine Military Academy Graduating Class
Jessie Ticar Jr. emerges as valedictorian amid challenging background, emphasizing resilience and dedication.
Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, Philippines — Jessie Ticar Jr., a 23-year-old from the slums of Batasan Hills in Quezon City, has been named the valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2025. Ticar, who leads the 266-member graduating class named "Siklab-Laya,” faced significant challenges throughout his upbringing.
His father, a former taxi driver, became a person with a disability (PWD) due to a road accident, while his mother supported the family by selling ballpens and small items on the streets.
Before entering PMA, Ticar was enrolled at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila, where he earned recognition as a President’s Lister.
Although he had not initially aimed to become a military officer, the opportunity to join PMA presented itself, driving him to pursue a career that could alleviate his family's financial burdens.
On May 17, Ticar will be awarded the Presidential Saber by President Marcos, among several other accolades.
He is one of only four PMA graduates to achieve summa cum laude status and will be commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Philippine Army.
His achievements also include receiving the JUSMAG Saber, Tactics Group Award, Natural Sciences Plaque, Army Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, General Antonio Award, and the Humanities Plaque.
During his time at the PMA, Ticar discovered a deep commitment to national service, expressing that his capabilities are vital for the security of the country.
PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia praised the Class of 2025, highlighting their resilience and the diverse backgrounds of the cadets.
Ticar achieved the highest grade point average in PMA history, while the class collectively demonstrated exceptional determination.
Class salutatorian Murthan Zabala, 24, from Barangay Tejero in Cebu City, overcame a training-related injury that required medical leave in 2023 to finish strong.
Zabala will also be commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Philippine Army and is set to receive the Vice Presidential Saber, the Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, National Security Studies Plaque, Spanish Armed Forces Saber, Information Technology Plaque, and Social Sciences Plaque.
Additional notable graduates include Baron Roncher Bernabe, who, after three attempts to pass the entrance exams, will proceed to the Philippine Air Force; he was named Regimental Commander.
Imminent Navy Ensign Joana Marie Viray, 23, ranked third in her class and will receive the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, Philippine Navy Saber, and Secretary of National Defense Saber.
The graduating class is notable not only for Ticar's summa cum laude but also for four others attaining magna cum laude and six graduating cum laude.
Other top graduates include Carlo Badiola ranked fourth and Jetron Giorgio Nazareno ranked fifth, both heading to the Philippine Army, followed by Kobe Jo Ann Pajaron, who is entering the Philippine Air Force.
The PMA recognizes numerous other graduates, including Angeligue Mae Cabardo and Jan Navy Malimban, both magna cum laude, as well as several cadets headed to different military branches, showcasing the accomplishments of the Class of 2025.
His father, a former taxi driver, became a person with a disability (PWD) due to a road accident, while his mother supported the family by selling ballpens and small items on the streets.
Before entering PMA, Ticar was enrolled at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila, where he earned recognition as a President’s Lister.
Although he had not initially aimed to become a military officer, the opportunity to join PMA presented itself, driving him to pursue a career that could alleviate his family's financial burdens.
On May 17, Ticar will be awarded the Presidential Saber by President Marcos, among several other accolades.
He is one of only four PMA graduates to achieve summa cum laude status and will be commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Philippine Army.
His achievements also include receiving the JUSMAG Saber, Tactics Group Award, Natural Sciences Plaque, Army Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, General Antonio Award, and the Humanities Plaque.
During his time at the PMA, Ticar discovered a deep commitment to national service, expressing that his capabilities are vital for the security of the country.
PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia praised the Class of 2025, highlighting their resilience and the diverse backgrounds of the cadets.
Ticar achieved the highest grade point average in PMA history, while the class collectively demonstrated exceptional determination.
Class salutatorian Murthan Zabala, 24, from Barangay Tejero in Cebu City, overcame a training-related injury that required medical leave in 2023 to finish strong.
Zabala will also be commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Philippine Army and is set to receive the Vice Presidential Saber, the Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, National Security Studies Plaque, Spanish Armed Forces Saber, Information Technology Plaque, and Social Sciences Plaque.
Additional notable graduates include Baron Roncher Bernabe, who, after three attempts to pass the entrance exams, will proceed to the Philippine Air Force; he was named Regimental Commander.
Imminent Navy Ensign Joana Marie Viray, 23, ranked third in her class and will receive the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, Philippine Navy Saber, and Secretary of National Defense Saber.
The graduating class is notable not only for Ticar's summa cum laude but also for four others attaining magna cum laude and six graduating cum laude.
Other top graduates include Carlo Badiola ranked fourth and Jetron Giorgio Nazareno ranked fifth, both heading to the Philippine Army, followed by Kobe Jo Ann Pajaron, who is entering the Philippine Air Force.
The PMA recognizes numerous other graduates, including Angeligue Mae Cabardo and Jan Navy Malimban, both magna cum laude, as well as several cadets headed to different military branches, showcasing the accomplishments of the Class of 2025.
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