New research suggests women are disadvantaged, but experts say this doesn’t stop those who want to work.

Traditional gender roles are hindering women from progressing up the career ladder in the Philippines, another research has suggested.

This does not hold true at the Philippine Air Force.

The PAF made history for having its own, first-ever Female Fighter Pilot from the 5th Fighter Wing at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

According to the PAF, 1Lt Jul Laiza Mae B.Camposano-Beran is the first female AS-21 combat mission ready pilot and wingman.

Camposano-Beran,  a native of Tulunan, Cotabato is a member of Philippine Military Academy SINAGLAHI Class of 2015 and became the 5th female in the academy to receive the Athletic Saber Award over 170 members of her class.

The award is given to the cadet who displays an elite athletic prowess that flies well above and beyond all other cadets.

She graduated from Military Pilot Training in 2017 from the Philippine Air Force Flying School.

“Maraming mga female pilots na lumipad ng S211 pero not the version na AS211, ‘yung warrior natin. So the difference is actually siya ay dumaan sa tinatawag nating fighter fundamentals or combat crew training sa S211 as a prerequisite to be a fighter pilot (We have many female pilots who learned how to fly the S211 but not the warrior version that is the AS211. So the difference is she actually underwent fighter fundamentals or combat crew training in S211 as a prerequisite to be a fighter pilot),” Col. Maynard Mariano, PAF spokesperson, explained.

“That is something that most of the female pilots before who underwent the S211 that did not experience. This means that this is really our program of instructions for our fighter pilot and she finished that,” he added.

According to the PAF spokesperson, Camposano-Beran is now being prepared for greater heights. She is undergoing further training to become an FA50 advanced fighter jet pilot.

“It’s not gonna be long. Probably after 300 flying hours, she will be evaluated if she is ready for FA50. If she is, then she can transition to the FA50. But then, she is already flying as a backseat pilot in the FA50, and in fact, she has a combat experience as a backseat pilot in the FA50,” the PAF spokesperson said.

‘Women power’ shine at the PAF as more women pilot demonstrate their expertise nowadays.

An all-female pilot of the S70i Black Hawk helicopter transported the Chief of Staff, AFP Gen. Andres C Centino PA, during his visit to the combat areas in the province of Samar, today, March 24, 2023.

Maj Cristel S Jumangit PAF and 1Lt Nerie Lacasandile PAF of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, 208th Tactical Helicopter Squadron of the Philippine Air Force commanded the aircraft.

They navigated over mountainous terrain to safely reach the remote military camps of the 8th Infantry Division and helped the CSAFP personally deliver his message to the troops.

LtGen Stephen Pareño, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, on March 28, 2023,  was transported by an all-female pilot line-up of the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter during his visit to Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas for the 13th NCOS Alumni Homecoming Balik Yakap 2023.

The highly skilled female pilots, Maj Dearly Ross M. Bobilles PAF and Maj Anne Loisse V. Gomez both from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing of the Philippine Air Force, demonstrated exceptional mastery of their skills, while effectively ensuring the safety and security of the flight.

This only proves that women are as capable of holding positions of authority, positions that many initially believe to be only applicable to men.  (pia-ncr)