The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) conferred Arrival Honors on Brigadier General Leah L. Santiago PA, the newly promoted Commandant of Cadets and Head of the Tactics Group, at the Academy's Sundial Area in Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar, Baguio City, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Who: BGen Leah L. Santiago PA, Commandant of Cadets and Head, Tactics Group, Philippine Military Academy
- What: Arrival Honors at the Sundial Area, Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar, Baguio City, on November 10, 2026
- Promotion: one-star rank secured on November 9, 2026 with 12 other promoted generals; the rank was donned by Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete PA, AFP Chief of Staff, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
- Assumed as Commandant of Cadets: October 17, 2026
- Firsts: first female PMA graduate to reach Brigadier General; first female Summa Cum Laude graduate
- Source: PMA Public Affairs Office, Press Release Nr 261112-183
BGen Santiago is the first female PMA graduate to reach the rank of Brigadier General, according to the PMA Public Affairs Office.
Rank Conferred at Camp Aguinaldo
BGen Santiago officially secured her one-star rank on November 9, 2026, alongside 12 other newly promoted generals. General Antonio G. Nafarrete PA, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), personally donned the rank at the ceremony held at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
She had assumed the position of Commandant of Cadets on October 17, 2026, prior to her formal promotion.
Academy Welcomes New Commandant at Sundial Area
The Superintendent, Lieutenant General Michael G. Logico PA, welcomed BGen Santiago at the Lim Hall Lobby. During the Arrival Honors, she was accompanied by Colonel Eugene Henry Z. Cabusao PA (MNSA), Assistant Commandant of Cadets.
Command personnel and the Cadet Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines, also participated in formally welcoming her, according to the PMA Office of the Corps Public Affairs.
A Record of Firsts at PMA
BGen Santiago's promotion builds on a distinguished record at the Academy. She previously earned the distinction of being the first female Summa Cum Laude graduate in PMA history, according to the PMA Public Affairs Office.
The PMA said her accomplishments bring honor to both the Academy and the broader AFP, and that her career serves as an inspiration to young Filipinos aspiring to serve the nation.
The press release was authorized by LCDR Jesse Nestor B. Saludo PN, Chief of the Public Affairs Office, PMA, under Press Release No. 261112-183.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of OCPA, PMA