ARMY Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido led the six-kilometer graduation run of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Siklab-Laya” Class of 2025’s Army Group at Fort Gregorio del Pilar, Baguio City, on the morning of May 10, 2025.

In his keynote remarks after the run, Galido offered professional and career advice to the soon-to-be Army platoon leaders.

“This road run is not a congratulatory event for finishing your cadetship. Rather, it marks your welcome into the life of a full-time officer in the most demanding—yet most rewarding—branch of service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

Likening the life of an Army officer to that of a long-distance runner, the Army Chief challenged the graduating cadets to be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared.

“Along with your entire cadetship, this road run is a glimpse of the challenges that await you beyond these walls. I trust that you are not only aware, but also ready to meet those challenges with courage, conviction, and competence,” he added.

Joining the run were 46 Army officers, 220 enlisted personnel, and 20 officers from the Headquarters Philippine Army.

The class is set to culminate its four-year training at the country’s premier military academy on May 17, 2025. Of the 266 graduating cadets, 137 will be joining the Philippine Army, led by Class Valedictorian Cadet 1st Class Jessie Ticar Jr.