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.

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.

"Kayo ang mga bagong mukha ng serbisyo, ng kagitingan. Kayo ang Bagong Pilipino – na may disiplina, may husay, at may pagmamahal sa ating inang bayan (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.

"You have proved that the Filipino soldier is ready to face the world with dignity and to show his excellence," he said.

President Marcos reminded the new officers that modern threats to national security now extend beyond traditional battlefields.

"We have battles that are invisible to radar—ones that take place in cyberspace, in protecting information, in safeguarding the environment, and in helping communities during crises," he said.

"So, physical strength and agility are no longer enough. What we need just as much are your mental sharpness and your compassion," he added.

The President also cited new courses now integrated into the PMA curriculum, such as artificial intelligence, drone operations, and ethical leadership.

"These are all important. But what is also important, and possibly the most important, is your love of country," he said.

Meanwhile, Marcos lauded how 54 of the 266 graduates were women, saying this proves that courage, intellect, and excellence are not defined by gender.

"Ang mga kababaihang kadete ng PMA ang patunay na ang tapang, talino, at galing ay hindi nakaayon sa kasarian (The women cadets of PMA are proof that bravery, intelligence, and skill are not defined by gender),” he said.

The President urged more young women to join the ranks of the Armed Forces and be part of building a "Bagong Pilipinas."

"Nawa’y magsilbi kayong inspirasyon sa bawat batang babaeng nangangarap na magkaroon ng mahalagang papel sa ating bansa (May you serve as an inspiration to every young girl who dreams of playing an important role in our country)," he said.