QC vendor's son is PMA class valedictorian

A difficult childhood in the slums of Tasan Hills in Quezon City spurred 23-year-old Jessie Ticar Jr. to top the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduating class of 2025.

- By ARTEMIO DUMLAO

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City —A difficult childhood in the slums of Tasan Hills in Quezon City spurred 23-year-old Jessie Ticar Jr. to top the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduating class of 2025.

"I came to a point when I had to decide if I'll continue (in university)," the top-notcher of the 266-member "Siklab-Laya" (Sundalong Isinilang na Kasangga at Lakas ng Ating Bayan para sa Kalayaan) said.

Prior to the PMA, he had enrolled at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila where he was a President's Lister.

Then came the PMA opportunity, although he didn't really aim to become a military officer. He said his dream was only to ease the economic burdens of his father, a former taxicab driver who became a PWD because of a road accident. His mother sold ballpens and small trinkets in the streets of Quezon City to help support the family.

"Such was my motivation," Ticar, who is receiving the Presidential Saber from President Marcos on May 17.