PMA’s first female summa cum laude now leads training of future military officers

Colonel Leah L. Santiago again made history by becoming the academy’s first female commandant of cadets. Office of the Chief Public Affairs, Philippine Military AcademyMANILA — The Philippine Military Academy’s first female Summa Cum Laude graduate is now leading the training of the country’s future military officers.

Over the weekend, Col. Leah L. Santiago again made history by becoming the academy’s first female commandant of cadets.

She assumed the post during a change of command ceremony at Yap Hall, Fort General Gregorio H. del Pilar, in Baguio City on October 17, 2026.

Santiago, a member of PMA’s “KALASAGLAHI” Class of 1997, was among the pioneering women who entered the military academy. 

Nearly three decades later, she now oversees the military training and development of future Armed Forces of the Philippines officers, marking another milestone in the advancement of women in military leadership, the PMA wrote in a release.

She also ensures that cadets acquire the “competence, adaptability, and sound judgment necessary to meet the demands of modern warfare and the evolving security landscape.”

“Remember, you are not here merely to earn a degree or a commission. You are here to prepare yourselves for the responsibility of leading soldiers and defending our Republic,” she said in her assumption speech, addressing future soldiers.

“I do not expect you to be perfect. I expect you to be honest about your weaknesses, receptive to correction, and determined to improve. I was once where you are now—learning, struggling, making mistakes, and being shaped by people who saw potential in me even when I still had much to learn.”

Lt. Gen. Michael Logico, superintendent of the PMA, said in the news release that Santiago also faces “challenges of a future we cannot fully predict.”

“That is [a] tremendous responsibility. And I have every confidence that she is prepared to meet it,” he said.

Santiago succeeded Col. Eugene Henry Cabusao who served as acting commandant of cadets following the retirement of Brig. Gen. Nelson Aluad from the military service on Sept. 26, 2026.