First female PMA Commandant of Cadets named

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) named Col. Leah Lorenzo Santiago its first woman Commandant of Cadets, breaking another barrier for women in the military.

A trailblazer from PMA KalasagLahi Class of 1997, Santiago ranked third overall and first academically in the academy’s first class to include women graduates.

She became PMA’s first female summa cum laude graduate, setting a milestone in the institution’s history.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Philippine Army, Santiago rose through operational and leadership posts, serving as platoon leader, executive officer and company commander of the 30th Infantry Battalion under the 4th Infantry Division.

She returned to PMA as senior tactical officer from 2016 to 2019, later commanded the 9th Field Artillery Battery in Sulu and held key personnel posts at Army headquarters.

Santiago served as director of the Personnel Management Center before becoming the Army’s assistant chief of staff for personnel, G1.

She completed military courses in the Philippines and Australia, and earned three master’s degrees in public management, strategic studies and business administration from the Development Academy of the Philippines, Australian National University and Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

Santiago is married to Col. Jerome Erwin Santiago of the Philippine Air Force, with whom she has two children.

In her assumption speech, Santiago expressed her gratitude to Almighty God, President Marcos, the national defense and military leadership and everyone who contributed to her appointment and professional development.

She emphasized that leadership is never achieved alone, recognizing the sacrifices of her family, the support of friends and colleagues and the guidance of mentors and superiors throughout her military career.

Reflecting on her journey – from overcoming a life-threatening accident to serving in combat operations, staff positions and command assignments – Santiago highlighted the importance of resilience, humility, discipline, integrity and commitment to service.