Air Force's 1st lady fighter pilot inspires young town mates

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): Air Force's 1st lady fighter pilot inspires young town mates (By Edwin Fernandez)

TOWN INSPIRATION. Philippine Air Force 1Lt. Julaiza Mae Camposano-Beran, the country’s first fighter pilot, has become the inspiration of young people in her hometown in Tulunan, North Cotabato. Tulunan Mayor Pip Limbungan says Tuesday (April 5, 2022) that a red carpet awaits the PAF pilot if she decides to visit the town. (Photos courtesy of PAF and Tulunan LGU)

Residents of the North Cotabato town of Tulunan are honored with the achievement of a local beauty queen, who is now the country’s first female Philippine Air Force (PAF) fighter plane pilot.

“If she decides to return home or visit her birthplace, the town government will give her a red carpet welcome,” said Abraham Contayoso, secretary of Tulunan Mayor Pip Limbungan, in a phone interview Tuesday about PAF 1Lt. Jul Laiza Mae Camposano-Beran.

Residents are very proud of the achievement of this daughter of Tulunan, said a resident, Alma Sioson, in a separate phone interview.

Sioson recalled that the young Jul Laiza already displayed talent and humility while still studying in elementary and high school.

During her teen years in Tulunan, neighbors remember Jul Laiza as a regular beauty pageant candidate.

Limbungan said he and other local officials are proud of Jul Laiza's feat, adding that the mother of the lady PAF pilot was a former municipal government employee.

Many young residents, the mayor said, have become interested in joining the Philippine Military Academy and follow the footsteps of the lady pilot.

“She is our role model, the young girls and boys are looking up to her as their inspiration too,” Limbungan said.

Jul Laiza belongs to PMA SINAGLAHI Class of 2015 and is now a member of the 5th Fighter Wing stationed in Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171436