A Philippine Army colonel has broken one of the military academy's longest-standing barriers — Col. Leah L. Santiago formally assumed the post of Commandant of Cadets at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Saturday, October 17, 2026, making her the first woman ever appointed to lead the Cadet Corps in the academy's history.
According to a press release from the PMA Public Affairs Office, signed by its chief Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Nestor Saludo, the change of command ceremony was held at Yap Hall in Fort General Gregorio H. del Pilar in Baguio City. Santiago simultaneously assumed duties as Head of the Tactics Group during the same ceremony.
Replacing an Acting Commandant
Santiago took over from Col. Eugene Henry Z. Cabusao, who had been filling the role of Acting Commandant of Cadets following the retirement of Brig. Gen. Nelson C. Aluad from the military on September 26, 2026. PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael G. Logico presided over the ceremony.
Her Message to the Cadet Corps
In her assumption remarks, Santiago told cadets she would lead them toward becoming "officers of character, competence, and commitment—leaders who uphold integrity, develop the skills and judgment needed to accomplish the mission, and remain steadfast in their duty to their soldiers and country."
Drawing on her own experience as a pioneering female cadet, she addressed those now under her command directly.
"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," Santiago said.
She also offered a candid reflection on growth and imperfection: "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," she added.
Superintendent Logico Speaks on the Responsibility
Superintendent Logico, who assumed command as the academy's 86th superintendent in July, acknowledged both the historical weight of Santiago's appointment and the demands the role carries.
"As Commandant of Cadets, she will have the responsibility of helping shape the character, competence, and leadership of the next generation of officers. She will help prepare them not only to meet the demands of today's operational environment, but also face the challenges of a future we cannot fully predict," Logico said.
He expressed full confidence in Santiago's readiness: "That is tremendous responsibility. And I have every confidence that she is prepared to meet it," he said.
From the First Female PMA Graduating Class
Born Leah Lorenzo, Santiago belongs to the PMA "Kalasag-Lahi" Class of 1997 — the first class in the academy's history to include female graduates. Women were admitted to the PMA for the first time in 1993, and seven women from that pioneering intake completed their studies and graduated in 1997, according to earlier reports by the Philippine News Agency.
Santiago was a cadet of Charlie Company. The PMA identifies her as its first female summa cum laude graduate, and previous reports from the Inquirer and Philstar indicate she ranked third in her class order of merit.
Nearly Three Decades of Military Service
After graduating and receiving her commission as a second lieutenant in the Philippine Army, Santiago began her career with the 30th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, where she served successively as platoon leader, executive officer, and company commander of Bravo Company, according to the PMA.
She went on to hold leadership and administrative positions at Philippine Army headquarters and at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Between 2016 and 2019, Santiago returned to the PMA as the first female Senior Tactical Officer of the Cadet Corps. She subsequently took command of the 9th Field Artillery unit of the Army Artillery Regiment in Sulu — a posting the Philippine Army has described as making her the first woman to serve as commanding officer of an Army artillery battalion.
Most recently, prior to her return to the academy, she served as executive officer and deputy of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel (G1), then as director of the Personnel Management Center, and finally as the Army's Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1.
Advanced Academic and Military Credentials
The PMA said Santiago completed the Field Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, the Military Intelligence Officer Course, and the Command and General Staff Course, in addition to specialized military training in Australia.
She holds three master's degrees: a Master in Public Management with a major in Development Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines; a Master of Strategic Studies from the Australian National University; and a Master of Business Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. She also completed training in gender and development planning and budgeting at the Miriam College Women and Gender Institute.
Scope of the Commandant Role
As Commandant, Santiago will oversee the military training and overall development of future AFP officers. The PMA described the role as encompassing the building of competence, adaptability, and sound judgment among cadets in preparation for modern warfare and an evolving security environment.
The academy characterised her assumption of the post as another milestone in the advancement of women in military leadership.
Photo credit: Philippine Military Academy Public Affairs Office
Source: breakingnewsnegor.com / PMA Public Affairs Office