First female PMA Commandant of Cadets named

Col. Leah Lorenzo Santiago

STAR/ File

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines– The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) called Col. Leah Lorenzo Santiago its very first lady Commandant of Cadets, breaking another barrier for females in the armed force.

A trendsetter from PMA KalasagLahi Class of 1997, Santiago ranked 3rd total and very first academically in the academy’s very first class to consist of females graduates.

She ended up being PMA’s very first female summa orgasm laude graduate, setting a turning point in the organization’s history.

Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Philippine Army, Santiago increased through functional and management posts, working as squad leader, executive officer and business leader of the 30th Infantry Battalion under the 4th Infantry Division.

She went back to PMA as senior tactical officer from 2016 to 2019, later on commanded the 9th Field Artillery Battery in Sulu and held essential workers posts at Army head office.

Santiago worked as director of the Personnel Management Center before ending up being the Army’s assistant chief of personnel for workers, G1.

She finished military courses in the Philippines and Australia, and made 3 master’s degrees in public management, tactical research studies and service administration from the Development Academy of the Philippines, Australian National University and Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

Santiago is wed to Col. Jerome Erwin Santiago of the Philippine Air Force, with whom she has 2 kids.

In her presumption speech, Santiago revealed her appreciation to Almighty God, President Marcos, the nationwide defense and military management and everybody who added to her visit and expert advancement.

She stressed that management is never ever accomplished alone, acknowledging the sacrifices of her household, the assistance of buddies and associates and the assistance of coaches and superiors throughout her military profession.

Reviewing her journey– from conquering a lethal mishap to serving in battle operations, personnel positions and command projects– Santiago highlighted the value of durability, humbleness, discipline, stability and dedication to service.