Record number of women among 2017 PMA graduates

March 3, 2017

BAGUIO CITY- Almost half or a record number of 63 women will graduate from this year’s Philippine Military Academy class numbering 167 on March 12. The PMA began accepting women in 1993 and they have always been in the top 10 in their graduating classes.

Last year’s graduating salutatorian was Christine Mae Naungayan Calima from Bolinao, Pangasinan.

In 2015, Caroline Jhoy Ramirez Nacional, 22, from Maitum, Saranggani, was fifth her class..

In 2013, an Igorot lass from Beckel, La Trinidad, Benguet, Maryam Dinamling Balais , landed salutatorian. She said then: “the PMA is no more a “men’s world.” ‘PMA training is never difficult for women.’

On March 6, PMA will announce the top ten graduating cadets. President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to formally welcome the PMA graduates to the Armed Forces of the Philippines as officers. DMS