Marcos urges PMA grads to serve with dignity; VP's call: don't be instruments of abuse, betrayal

President Marcos called on the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Siklab-Laya” Class of 2025 to serve the country with “dignity, honor, and love” as he praised the graduates for enduring rigorous training and choosing a life of service to the nation.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

On the same occasion, Vice President Sara Duterte reminded the PMA graduates to never allow themselves to be instruments of abuse and betrayal against Filipinos who continue to uphold the truth.

In his speech during the commencement exercises at Fort Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City, Marcos said the new graduates now carry the responsibility of defending the country with strength, intellect, compassion, and a sincere love for the country.

"This is my prayer to the members of Siklab-Laya: Wherever your duty may take you—may it be in the mountains, in the seas, or communities—serve with dignity; serve with honor, serve with love," he said on Saturday, May 17.

"You are the new face of service and courage. You are the new Filipino—with discipline, excellence, and love for the country," he added.

Marcos lauded the PMA “Siklab-Laya” Class of 2025 for achieving several milestones, including being the first batch to be trained on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

"You are a class of many firsts.

You are the first group to be trained on Pag-asa Island itself," he said.

The President said the experience symbolizes the new generation of Filipino soldiers who will be at the forefront of defending the country's territorial integrity.