The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) appoints Army Col. Leah Lorenzo-Santiago as its first woman Commandant of Cadets. Multiple outlets report the appointment marks a milestone for women in the Philippine military academy system, with Santiago returning to the academy after nearly three decades.
Santiago is described as one of PMA’s pioneering female cadets and a “summa cum laude” graduate of the PMA “Kalasag-Lahi” Class. Outlets frame the move as both a recognition of her academic and military record and a leadership role focused on shaping cadets’ training. Rappler and Inquirer.net emphasize her return to help uphold academy standards and guide the next generation, while Philstar highlights the barrier-breaking aspect of her appointment.
Inquirer.net additionally notes that a promotion to brigadier general is expected soon, though the other reports focus primarily on the commandant appointment itself.
