Street Vendor’s Son to Graduate as Summa Cum Laude at PMA

JESSIE TIRAC JR. – A street vendor vendor’s son to graduate as Summa Cum Laude at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Jessie Ticar Jr., a 23-year-old from Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City, is set to graduate at the top of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2025. He will receive the rare honor of summa cum laude, becoming only the fourth in PMA history to do so.

Ticar grew up facing life’s tough realities for being raised in a humble home as the youngest of four siblings. His father, a former taxi driver, became a person with a disability after an accident, while his mother earned a living by selling small items on the streets.

Despite these challenges, Jessie stayed focused on his goals. While studying at the PMA, he even helped support his family using his cadet stipend.

Before entering the academy, Jessie was a standout student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. His journey to the PMA wasn’t driven by a childhood dream of joining the military, but by a strong desire to lift his family out of hardship.

Over time, his sense of duty deepened, and he discovered a calling to serve the nation. Jessie will lead 266 graduates of the PMA “Siklab Laya” Class of 2025. This batch made history as the first to train at Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, giving them firsthand experience of real security challenges.

Aside from the top academic award, the street vendor’s son will also receive multiple recognitions, including the Presidential Saber, the Army Saber, and other performance-based awards.

On May 15, 2025 (Thursday), Jessie will officially graduate bringing pride to his family, community, and the country.

In another story, a magna cum laude graduate touches hearts by letting father wear his toga