Female cadet from Ilocos Sur tops PMA Class of 2019

A female cadet has topped this year's graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Not only Cadet 1st Class Dionne Mea Apolog Umalla topped the PMA MABALASIK Class of 2019, she also bagged 14 special awards including the Presidential Saber Award, Philippine Navy Saber, and the Leadership plaque, among others.

Umalla, an Ilocos Sur native and the youngest of four siblings, is joined by four other female cadets in the Top 10. They were presented by the PMA on Tuesday.

Umalla attributed her accomplishments to her mother, a high school teacher.

The others in the Top 10 are:

2. CDT 1CL Jonathan Mendoza from Cavite City
3. CDT 1CL Jahziel Tandoc from La Trinidad Benguet
4. CDT 1CL Daniel Heinz Lucas fr Barlig Mt. Province
5. CDT 1CL Aldren Altamero from Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
6. CDT 1CL Richard Lanogan from Sagada, Mt. Province
7. CDT 1CL Marnel Fundales from Leganes, Iloilo
8. CDT 1CL Glyn Elinor Marapao from Buguias, Benguet
9. CDT 1CL Angelique Pasos from Pasig City
10. CDT 1CL Daryl James Ligutan from Sta Mesa, Manila

The graduation ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on May 26, Sunday, at the PMA grounds in Baguio City. President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to attend. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News