Ilongga lands on 7th spot in PMA Class Mabalasik 2019

A NATIVE of Leganes, Iloilo is one of the top 10 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 2019.

Cadet 1st Class Marnel Dinihay Fundales, 21, ranked seventh in the 263-strong PMA Class Mabalasik 2019. She is among the five female cadets in the top 10.

Dinihay entered the academy because of her father, Sgt. Alfredo Fundales who is currently assigned at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacion, Taguig City.

In an interview with ABS-CBN-Iloilo, Fundales’ mother Diana said their child always wanted to attend PMA and continue her father’s military legacy.

“She wants to become a soldier just like her father. Her father is her idol,” Diana said.

Fundales grew up in poverty in Barangay Guintas, Leganes and she dreamed of improving their lives through her military career.

She graduated valedictorian from Buntatala Elementary School and finished her secondary education with honors at Iloilo National High School.

She earned her degree in Political Science from UP Visayas.

Diana said their daughter never got tired of studying as she believes that it is the only way to success.

Fundales will join the Philippine Air Force right after graduation.

Another female cadet leads the PMA Class Mabalasik 2019, Dionne Mae Umalla of Alilem, Ilocos Sur.

Aside from Umalla (No. 1) and Fundales (No. 7), the other top 10 cadets are:

• Jonathan Eslao Mendoza (No. 2)
• Jahziel Gumapac Tandoc (No. 3)
• Daniel Heinz Bugnosen Lucas (No. 4)
• Aldren Maambong Altamero (No. 5)
• Richard Balabag Lonogan (No. 6)
• Glyn Elinor Buansi Marapao (No. 8)
• Ruth Angelique Ricardo Pasos (No. 9)
• Daryl James Jalgalado Ligutan (No. 10)

The PMA allotted 80 slots for women in Academic Year 2018-19.