The Journey of Col. Francel Padilla, AFP's First Female Spokesperson

Posted to Esquire Philippines (Feb 5, 2024): The Journey of Col. Francel Padilla, AFP's First Female Spokesperson (By RHIA GRANA)

It all started with a dare to pass the PMA entrance exams. "Padyaryo ka lang," newly appointed AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla remembers her brother teasing. Passing the exams would mean that her name will be published in the newspapers.

IMAGE Courtesy of Col. Padilla

Securing an interview with the newly appointed spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, proved to be quite a challenge due to her incredibly demanding schedule.

As the mouthpiece of the AFP, which stands as the cornerstone of the nation's defense and security, Col. Padilla's days are packed with responsibilities crucial for the organization's communication and public relations. One of her roles is to act as the primary link between the AFP and the public, ensuring the dissemination of timely and accurate information about military operations and initiatives. She represents the AFP in public engagements and media briefings, articulating the forces' stance and future plans. Furthermore, she has to ensure that the AFP's perspective is accurately portrayed in the media.

Specializing in cybersecurity and technology, Padilla has made history as the AFP's first female spokesperson. She succeeded Col. Medel Aguilar, who served in the role for one year and six months. Throughout her 27-year career, Padilla has held numerous positions, showcasing her versatility and expertise within the military.

Padilla is the current Group Commander of the Media and Civil Affairs Group, Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP).

 

Photo taken during MCAG's Change of Command Ceremony, with MGen Ramon Zagala and Maj. Cenon Pancito III.  PHOTO BY COURTESY OF COL. PADILLA.

It All Started with a Dare

Padilla, the only girl among four siblings, had never entertained the thought of becoming a soldier. She had already finished her sophomore year in civil engineering at the Unversity of Santo Tomas when her brother, Mark Voltaire, who was originally a member of PMA Class 1997, challenged her to take the entrance exams. "Padyaryo ka lang," she remembers her brother teasing. Passing the exams would mean that her name will be published in the newspapers.

The exams were tough. Out of the over 18,000 who took it then, only 1,100+ female examinees passed, and Padilla was one of them. From this number, 100+ would continue on with the medical exams and only 20 females will be allowed to enter the Philippine Military Academy. From the 20, only eight graduated.

"With the guys, after the medical exam, akyat na sila ng PMA. But sa females, we still have to go thru a panel interview at the Camp Aguinaldo. At that time, wala pang female officers," she remembers.

What ultimately influenced her decision to pursue a military career was meeting the female PMA candidates during their weeklong medical. "Kasi di ba wala akong sisters. Then I met the female candidates of PMA, ang saya. I felt like I was part of a sisterhood. I felt the camaraderie," says Padilla.

"We would go to the despedidas of the other passers. May mga outings. Hanggang sa nagkayayaan na, 'Let's challenge ourselves to enter the PMA. Kung hindi kaya, uwi tayo after the first week,'" she recalls their conversation then.

https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/the-journey-of-the-afp-s-first-female-spokesperson-a2984-20240205-lfrm2