Top female PMA graduate to join Air Force

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - The only female cadet who is among the top 10 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Masiglahi Class 2009 will join the Air Force, following the footsteps of her grandfather and uncle, who are both retired PAF officers. Cadet First Class Cynthia Palisoc Forteza, 22, said it was her grandfather, retired Brig. Gen. Amadeo Forteza, and uncle, retired Col. Joey Forteza, who inspired her to join the Air Force. Forteza, a native of Urbiztundo, Pangasinan, ranked 9th of the top 10 graduating cadets, garnering the computing and information sciences plaque, leadership plaque, and Air Force professional courses plaque. Forteza will also receive the Australian Defense Award for besting all others in Air Force core courses. The youngest of a brood of three boys and four girls, Forteza first dreamt of becoming a doctor. She finished two years of Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of the Philippines in Manila before taking the PMA entrance examinations. Forteza, along with the 184 members of the Masiglahi Class, will march on Monday, March 16, at the Borromeo field for the PMA commencement exercises. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be the guest speaker. Of the 184 graduates, 37 will join PAF, 47 will be in the Navy and 100 in the Army. There are 23 female cadets in the Masiglahi Class. PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Leonardo Calderon said this was the first class which has 87 percent of the original Masiglahi Class 2009. Calderon officially announced the top 10 in a press conference at the PMA Lungayban Hall. Topping the list was Cadet First Class Karl Winston Cacanindin, 23, who will receive the Presidential Saber from President Arroyo at the graduation ceremonies. Other top cadets are Cadets First Class Lemuel Manicdo, Roger Flores, Nelson Liwanag, Larry Mayao, Erick Mabborang, Carlito Santiago, Glen de Ramos, and Christopher Dupalco. - GMANews.TV