Female cadet is Top 2 in PMA Class 2016

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 9): Female cadet  is Top 2 in  PMA Class 2016

A female cadet brings pride to Filipino women as the nation celebrates Women’s Month.

Cadet First Class Christine Mae Calima of Bolinao, Pangasinan is the only female cadet to make it to the top ten in the Philippine Military Academy ‘Gabay-Laya’ (Gintong Anak ng Bayan, Alay ay Buhay Para sa Kalayaan) Class of 2016 who will graduate on Sunday, March 13.

Despite being dominated by men, Calima excelled in academics  and physical aspect in her four years inside the military institution.  She will be receiving various awards including the Vice Presidential Saber,Air Force Saber, Australian Defence Best Overall Performance Award(Air Force), Management Plaque, Special Sciences Plaque, Department of Tactical Officers Plaque Tactics Group Award, Dept.  of Leadership Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, Aguinaldo Saber, Spanish Armed Forces Award and the Association of Generals and Flag Officers Award.

The 21 year old Calima shared that although there is equality between men and women inside the PMA, it is biological that men are stronger so the female cadets also compliment their male counterparts by excelling in the academics. “In terms of physical aspect, men are biologically stronger so I tried my best to excel academically because I cannot compete with them physically.”

Before entering PMA, Calima was a consistent Dean’s Lister at the Saint Louis University where she took up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy for two years.

Since she was a small child, she was inspired by the stories of her father who wanted to become a police officer and her uncle, retired Philippine National Police Directorate for Intelligence Director Charles Calima of PMA Class 1981.

“It was the dream of my father to have at least a member of our family graduate from the premiere military institution and I am fulfilling this for him with honors,” said Calima who will be joining the Philippine Air Force.

Eight female and 55 male cadets comprise the 63-strong graduating class who will receive their diplomas from President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/41457420480/female-cadet-is-top-2-in-pma-class-2016