ARMED Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr yesterday told newly-commissioned officers from the Philippine Military Academy Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 that the “road ahead is demanding.”
Brawner, in welcoming the 266 members of the PMA class, said the graduation of the new second lieutenants and ensigns “marks the commencement of your solemn duty as defenders of our nation.”
The class, led by valedictorian Jessie Ticar Jr, graduated from the PMA last Saturday during rites presided over by President Marcos Jr.
The class is composed of 212 males and 54 females. Of the total, 137 including Ticar joined the Army, 71 went to the Navy, and 58 joined the Air Force.
In a statement, Brawner said the officers have been “rigorously trained to fight and lead across multiple domains: land, air, sea, cognitive, and cyber,” making them “exceptionally prepared for multi-faceted threats.”
“You are equipped for the complexities of the contemporary security landscape and to contend with ‘invisible battles’ which demand tactical acumen and profound mental sharpness,” Brawner said noting their training includes immersion in modern military applications like artificial intelligence, drone operations and cyberwarfare.
He said the officers’ actions “will shape our Armed Forces and uphold the trust of the Filipino people.”
He said the “comprehensive, multi-domain training and enhanced understanding of strategic thinking, information protection, and crisis response” of the class members “are pivotal to protecting our sovereignty.”
“The road ahead is demanding. It will call upon your courage, discipline, integrity, commitment to excellence, and the adaptability ingrained through your forward-looking education,” he said.
“It will require you to be as adept in safeguarding our environmental heritage as in your martial skills, and to lead with compassion. You now join a proud lineage of leaders who have stood strong, ever faithful to our oath and to the flag we serve,” he added.
Brawner urged the new officers to let their passion be “unyielding,” their leadership be “just, ethical and compassionate,” and their dedication to duty “remain unwavering.”
“Embrace this new chapter with humility, honor, and an unwavering resolve to protect our sovereignty and ensure lasting peace and development for our nation,” said Brawner.
“Serve with pride. Lead with honor,” he added.
