FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) formally introduced the Top Performing Cadets of the SIKLAB-LAYA Class of 2025 on May 7, 2025, at the Longayban Hall.
The presentation was led by PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia PN, Commandant of Cadets Brigadier General Ramon Flores PA, and Dean of Academics Brigadier General Jose Demar Pauly PA.
A total of 266 cadets—212 male and 54 female—will graduate during the commencement exercises on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Fort Del Pilar.
These graduates will be commissioned as officers in the Philippine Army, Air Force, and Navy, reinforcing the country’s armed forces with fresh, highly trained leaders.
The class name SIKLAB-LAYA stands for Sundalong Isinilang na Kasangga at Lakas ng Ating Bayan para sa Kalayaan, symbolizing the cadets’ commitment to defending freedom and the Filipino people.
PMA to Launch Enhanced Curriculum in 2026
During his message, VAdm Valencia praised the top performing cadets and took the opportunity to announce a major transformation in the PMA’s academic program, aimed at keeping pace with rapidly evolving military technologies and defense strategies.
“We are having a joint mindset, and all of these are related to the accomplishment of our Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” he said.
“Beginning next year, we will be introducing our new and enhanced curriculum… focusing on technology proficiency in defense, and new subjects such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, asymmetric warfare, and drone warfare.”
VAdm Valencia emphasized that the future curriculum will follow an interdisciplinary approach to defense studies, aligned with national defense strategies and enhancing strategic and operational readiness.
These advancements aim to ensure that future PMA graduates are not only combat-ready but also strategically and technologically equipped for modern warfare.
Cadet Jessie JR R. Ticar Leads Class of 2025
Leading the class is Cadet First Class Jessie JR R. Ticar of Quezon City, who will be joining the Philippine Army.
He is only the fourth cadet in PMA history to graduate Summa Cum Laude, earning the highest General Weighted Average ever recorded at the Academy.
Cadet Ticar will be awarded:
- Presidential Saber
- JUSMAG Saber
- Tactics Group Award
- Natural Sciences Plaque
- Army Professional Courses Plaque
- Army Saber
- Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award
- Gen. Antonio Luna Award
- Humanities Plaque
PMA Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 – Top 10 Graduates
- CDT 1CL Jessie JR R. Ticar – Summa Cum Laude – Quezon City | Philippine Army
- CDT 1CL Murthan P. Zabala – Cebu City | Philippine Army
- CDT 1CL Joana Marie D. Viray, Cum Laude – Pasay City | Philippine Navy
- CDT 1CL Carlo A. Badiola – Camarines Sur | Philippine Army
- CDT 1CL Jetron Giorgio A. Nazareno, Cum Laude – Oriental Mindoro | Philippine Navy
- CDT 1CL Kobe Jo Ann Q. Pajaron, Cum Laude – Negros Oriental | Philippine Air Force
- CDT 1CL Malvin Brian N. Dapar, Magna Cum Laude – Bohol | Philippine Army
- CDT 1CL Elzur D. Salon – Nueva Vizcaya | Philippine Air Force
- CDT 1CL Aprilyn A. Magsigay – Agusan del Sur | Philippine Air Force
- CDT 1CL Kristine Kate C. Senados – Zamboanga Sibugay | Philippine Air Force
Latin Honor Graduates
- CDT 1CL Angelique Mae G. Cabardo, Magna Cum Laude
- CDT 1CL Jan Navy M. Malimban, Magna Cum Laude
- CDT 1CL Kint P. Pinas, Cum Laude
- CDT 1CL Jan Kristoffer L. Montaña, Cum Laude
Special Awardees
- Chief of Staff Saber – CDT 1CL Roncher L. Bernabe
- Chief Justice Saber – CDT 1CL John Robert B. Real
- Superintendent Saber – CDT 1CL Zaira Grezelle H. Lamparero
- Athletic Saber (Male) – CDT 1CL Tracy Anselmo A. Miranda
- Athletic Saber (Female) – CDT 1CL Katrina Jane B. Luna
- Journalism Award – CDT 1CL Hanna May A. Algarme
- Mathematics Plaque – CDT 1CL Roland Yvesney O. Patalinghug, Magna Cum Laude
- Sports & Physical Development Unit Plaque – CDT 1CL Bin Ladin M. Mindalano
- Department of Tactical Officers Plaque – CDT 1CL Victoriano S. Ainza
- Distinguished Cadet Award (Starman) – CDT 1CL Vincent Angelo S. Laylo, Cum Laude
A Legacy of Firsts
The Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 is celebrated not just for academic and leadership excellence, but also for breaking new ground:
- First PMA class to conduct the Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) and Joint Field Training Exercises (JFTX) in Pag-asa Island.
- First to participate in the International Forum on Peace, Security, and Prosperity held in Palermo, Sicily.
- First to lead PMA’s entry into the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at the United States Military Academy, West Point.
As the Academy embraces a forward-looking curriculum and produces cadets who are both grounded in tradition and equipped for future challenges, the PMA Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 marks a transformative chapter in Philippine military education.
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