Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: DWDD: MILESTONE

Sunday, September 30, 2018

DWDD: MILESTONE | BGen Ignacio, First PAF Female General

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 1): MILESTONE | BGen Ignacio, First PAF Female General

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – Colonel Emma Oximoso Ignacio, the Adjutant General, AFP has achieved another milestone in the history of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Donning of Rank Ceremony for BGen Ignacio was held at Silid Balanginga at the General Headquarters in Camp Gen Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. During the ceremony, the Invocation was led by Commodore Tirso Dolina, AFP, Chief, Chaplain Service, AFP followed by the Reading of Orders by Colonel Ferdinand Torres (GSC) PAF, the Assistant Adjutant General.

BGen Ignacio joined the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Flying School as one of its first female aviation students, she said that her being a woman was constantly challenged during training and operations.

Working in a field largely dominated by men, she persevered and worked her way through training and education thus named as the First Female Pilot of the Philippine Air Force. Her skills allowed her to take on various roles such as the facilitation of transport of Haji pilgrims to KSA and securing the president and different heads of states and their first ladies. In 2004, she was instrumental in the conceptualization and conduct of the strategic planning course to craft the PAF’s medium-term plan.

Aside from being the first PAF female aviator, BGen Ignacio is a 2015 Metrobank Ten Outstanding Public Servant (TOPS) awardee where she was recognized and paid tribute for her outstanding examples of gallantry, dedication, professionalism and integrity among members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“I always believe that the military is a noble profession and I firmly stand by its nobleness. In my own way, I always do what is right and what is beneficial to the organization. In my sphere of influence, this is what I always tell and show my colleagues and subordinates,” said BGen Ignacio

The Donning of Rank and Message was led by Major General Elvin Velasco, Acting, The Deputy Chief of Staff , AFP. After the ceremony, BGen Ignacio was warmly received by officers, Enlisted Personnel, Civilian Employees, Family and Friends at the Office of the Adjutant General.

BGen Ignacio is a native and resident of Binukawan, Bagac, Bataan.