PMA cadet Ticar graduates summa cum laude with record average

Jessie Ticar Jr., a 23-year-old cadet from Quezon City, will graduate as the valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Siklab-laya" Class of 2025, achieving summa cum laude honors.

The son of a vendor and a stroke-stricken taxi driver, Ticar was inspired by a difficult childhood to study hard, initially attending the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

He holds the highest general weighted average ever recorded by a PMA cadet.

Ticar will receive the Presidential Saber award from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the graduating rites on May 17.

He is among 266 cadets graduating, and is only the fourth cadet in PMA history to achieve summa cum laude distinction.

He will also receive numerous other awards including the JUSMAG Saber, Tactics Group Award, Natural Sciences Plaque, and Army Saber.