PMA grad Jessie Ticar tops class, set for Presidential Saber

Jessie Ticar Jr., a 23-year-old from Quezon City, topped the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduating class of 2025 on Thursday.

Ticar's difficult childhood, where his mother sells ballpoint pens and envelopes in the streets while his father is hospitalized as a person with disabilities, motivated him to excel academically and ease his family's economic burdens.

Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia praised Ticar for having the highest grade point average in PMA history, making him the fourth cadet ever to achieve summa cum laude status.

Ticar will receive several awards including the Presidential Saber from President Marcos on May 17, while Murthan Zabala is the salutatorian and Joana Marie Viray ranks third among women in the class.

PMA announced plans to enhance its curriculum next year with new subjects focusing on technology proficiency and defense, including cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, asymmetric warfare, and drone warfare.