FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City, Philippines — A 21-year-old native Ilocana leads the 263-strong graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2019 on Sunday.
Dionne Mae Apolog Umalla, of Alilem town in Ilocos Sur, will get the Presidential Saber for topping this year’s PMA “Mabalasik” (Mandirigma ng Bayan Lakas at Sarili Iaalay para sa Kapayapaan) Class.
“I offer (this feat) to God,” said Umalla, who chose the Philippine Navy for her military service.
Umalla said she drew inspiration from her mother Dionisia, a retired schoolteacher, who despite the odds single-handedly brought up all four of her siblings to become professionals.
Read more at https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/05/22/1919867/woman-tops-pma-2019-class-mabalasik#v3pT1l2Zi49DO8Sl.99
