CITY OF SAN FERNANDO---Two Kapampangans are in the roster of the women-dominated top 10 graduating cadets of the Philippine Military Academy Class Salaknib 2017.
The Kapampangan topnotchers of Class Salaknib (Sangalang ay Lakay at Bukay Para sa Kalayaan ng Inang Bayan) or "to save" in Ilocano, have been announced on Monday by the PMA as Cathleen Jovi Santiano Baybayan of the City of San Fernando at rank 4 and Carlo Emmanuel Manalansan Canlas of Lubao town at rank 5.
Baybayan, who will join the Philippine Army, will also receive the Australian Defence Best Over-all Performance Award and Natural Sciences Plaque.
One of only two gentlemen in the top list, Canlas meanwhile, will receive the Philippine Air Force saber as he eyes to join the Philippine Air Force.
Others in the top 10 of the Class of 2017 are valedictorian Rovi Mairel Valino Martinez (Navy) from Cabanatuan City; Philip Modesto Viscaya (Army) Ligao City, Albay; Eda Glis Buansi Marapao (Navy) Baguio City; Shiela Joy Ramiro Jallorina (Air Force) Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya; Sheil Marie Calonge de Guzman (Army) Manaoag, Pangasinan; Joyzy Mencias Funchica (Air Force) Butuan City; Resie Jezreel Arrocena Hucalla (Air Force) Compostela Valley; and Catherine Mae Emeterio Gonzales (Air Force) Zamboanga City.
A total 22,754 took the exam in 2013 of which only 14,450 qualified. Only 246 (including 82 women) showed up during the school's Hell Week on April 1, 2013.
Of the original class, only 137 are graduating this year, with 37 as turnbacks, 6 on sick leave, and 3 suspended for maltreatment. The 137 were bolstered by 30 turnbacks, for a total of 167 graduates.
Out of the 167, 63 are women, the highest figure since the academy began admitting women back in 1993, the PMA said.
PMA Superintendent Maj. Gen. Donato San Juan said that the unusual number of women in the top 10 is not their choice.
“They were ranked according to their performances in academic, conduct and physical fitness,” said San Juan.
President Rodrigo Duterte is set to lead the PMA graduation rites on March 12. (JTD/ Sun.Star Pampanga with reports from Sun.Star Baguio)