As Women’s Month comes to a close, let me share one more uplifting story of a woman who figuratively and literally soared high on the wings of her ambition: Captain Rona Guevarra.

One of 66 female pilots in the Philippine Airlines’ roster of 839, this Iloilo City native actually has a Nursing degree and was all set to take the Board exam when the ‘skies’ called her.

Life takes an upward turn

“My classmates and I saw a poster for pilot recruitment in our university campus. The Philippine Air Force Flying School was on recruitment mode and it was the first time that this institution was opening its doors for women. My closest friends were so interested and I decided to join them. So we left our review classes and headed to Fernando Air Base in Lipa City for screening and series of exams. Sadly, I was the only one who made it,” recalls Guevarra.

For more than 12 years, she stayed with the Philippine Air Force and rose through the ranks from a military pilot to flight examiner to squadron commander.  In 2006, she changed tracks to become a commercial pilot with the country’s flag carrier.

On flying commercial

“There are several advantages that prompted my move. As a commercial pilot, pilots can advance to more senior roles such as becoming a captain or moving to wide-body aircraft. Additionally, there's the opportunity to fly different types of highly advanced aircraft like Airbus and Boeing,” shares Guevarra.

Another plus is the travel opportunities. “Whether flying internationally or domestically, pilots have the opportunity to explore new cities, cultures and landscapes. This aspect allows for experiences that few other careers can offer, and it is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job.”

And of course, commercial pilots earn a competitive salary, which increases with experience and seniority. “The aviation industry continues to grow with an increasing demand for commercial pilots. The constant demand for air travel ensures that pilots have good career prospects and job security.”

Most importantly for Guevarra: “Being a commercial pilot carries a deep sense of pride and responsibility. Pilots ensure the safety and comfort of hundreds of passengers, and this responsibility can be incredibly fulfilling. The idea that your work directly impacts people's lives is both humbling and rewarding.”

Teaching and giving back

Beyond piloting commercial aircrafts, Guevarra also had stints as flight instructor with both the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Airlines (PAL).  She admits this became her venue to give back.

“As a flight instructor, I found immense joy and fulfillment in sharing my passion for aviation with others. There's something truly rewarding about helping students grow, guiding them through their training, and watching them progress from nervous beginners to confident pilots. The best part of the job was witnessing those moments when a student learns a challenging maneuver or fully grasps a concept that once seemed difficult. It's satisfying to know that I played a role in helping someone achieve their dream of becoming a pilot.”

For Guevarra, serving as a flight instructor allowed her to combine her love for aviation with the privilege of shaping the next generation of pilots. “Every day in the cockpit, whether flying or teaching, is an opportunity to inspire and be inspired,” she adds.

Let her fly

If Guevarra’s story inspired you, PAL recently launched a P10 million commitment to empower the next generation of Filipina pilots. The gender gap in aviation remains significant, with only around 6% of pilots worldwide being women. Currently with PAL, 9% of its pilot roster are female.

As it seeks to address the gender gap in aviation, PAL pledged P10 million to the PAL Foundation’s Fly With Her program, the scholarship program for women pilots.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reiterate our support to women who dream of flying for and even assuming top positions in the PAL organization,” said Alvin M. Miranda, PAL Vice President for Marketing.

Apart from the P10 million pledge, PAL will release a film inspired by a real-life story of a young girl who dreamed of becoming a pilot. “When little girls see women take on leadership roles, it inspires them to do the same and possibly go beyond,” said Lilybeth T. Ng, PAL Assistant Vice President for Pilot Affairs.

PAL has long been a staunch supporter of women in the airline industry. In 1989, its very own Captain Aimee Carandang-Gloria became Southeast Asia’s first woman commercial airline pilot to fly a commercial flight. She broke barriers again in 1993, by becoming the region’s first woman airline captain.

To know more about the Fly with Her Program and take to the skies like Guevarra and Carandang, visit this website.