Son of Quezon City Vendor Tops PMA Class
JESSIE TICAR JR. – A 23-year-old cadet and the son of a ballpen and envelope vendor from Quezon City, made history by graduating as the valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Siklab-Laya” Class of 2025. He earned the rare honor of graduating Summa Cúm Laude, making him only the fourth cadet in the PMA’s 127-year history to receive this distinction.
Jessie’s story is one of hard work and determination. Coming from a humble background, he was inspired by his family’s struggles. His mother sold school supplies for a living, while his father, a former taxi driver, could no longer work due to illness. As the youngest of four siblings, Jessie took it upon himself to support his education and help improve their situation.
He began his studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) before passing the PMA entrance exam. Despite having no military background, he quickly adapted to the strict and disciplined life of a cadet.
His dedication paid off. Jessie not only topped his class with a record-breaking academic average but also received nine major awards, including the Presidential Saber and the JUSMAG Saber, which will be presented by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the graduation ceremony.
His class, composed of 266 cadets, also achieved a milestone by being the first group to train on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea—an experience that gave them a deeper understanding of the country’s territorial and defense challenges.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), founded in 1905 and located in Baguio City, is the premier training school for future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The PMA offers a four-year program that combines military training with academic education, leading to a Bachelor of Science in National Security Management. Graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants (Army/Air Force) or ensigns (Navy), ready to serve and lead with integrity, discipline, and patriotism.