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How an ex-teacher from Pinukpuk became a military pilot: the story of 2nd Lt. Leonardo Visaya Jr.

Writer's picture: Christian MalnawaChristian Malnawa

Updated: Nov 12, 2020


A math teacher–turned–pilot: an unplanned detour, this is how the top 1 and the Commanding General’s Medal Awardee for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Pilot Military Training for this year at the PAF Flying School described his journey on achieving the profession he is currently in.


2nd Lt. Leonardo G. Visaya Jr. PAF PAFOCS CL 2017 who obtained 97 %, the highest over-all rating of his military training class, hails from Pinukpuk, Kalinga and was a former Math Teacher at the Tabuk City National High School for 2 years. He is also one among the Top 10 Outstanding Students in the Philippines in the year 2013.


In an interview with Visaya, he said that it was never his plan to be a PAF officer. He was just encouraged by a high school batch mate to take the qualifying exam for the Officer Candidate School of PAF. He further mentioned that he, being an adventurous person, was his reason in taking the qualifying exam which he passed.


As narrated by him in his Facebook post, he did not consider the idea at first as he already had a stable job as a public school teacher at TCNHS, but then fate led him to where he is now.


"My military journey is an unexpected turn of events, unplanned and not in the schedule. I never dreamed to be a soldier, more so to become a military pilot. However, God really works in mysterious ways and it was His ultimate plan to transform the simple Math Teacher into a Military Aviator," Visaya added.


Visaya’s secret for attaining such achievements in life is his passion for learning and perseverance. According to him, it was not his target to be on top for all his endeavours but what he did was only to give his best efforts, always committing his actions to God’s will for him and accepting them when given.


When asked about the struggles he experienced during his journey, he said “Galing kasi ako sa civilian world and yun military training is very different lalo sa daily routine and physical activities. The psychological and physical aspects ng training ang mahirap sakin nung una. Sinisigawan ka ng upper class, madaming exercises ang pinapagawa and you are considered as the lowest mammal/person in the training.”


"Mahirap mag adopt kasi dati akong teacher, kumbaga may authority ako dati pero nung pumasok na ng training is bigla baliktad kasi ako na pinakamababa. But that is a way pala para matanggal yun pride ng isang tao and you will be transformed as a disciplined individual. Yun tinutukoy ko dito ah is yun training sa PAF Officer Candidate School. Iba pa yun training sa flying school,” he continued.

His Message for the Youth


“You can always serve the country in whatever vocation, profession and capacity that you have as a Filipino. Young as you are, participate in engaging activities and programs that can make you a contributor to nation-building kahit gaano man kasimple ang mga activities na yan. Huwag puro internet lang or ML/Dota lang. Mag-aral ng mabuti. If you want to be part of the Military Profession, there are many ways you can join the service basta ang mahalaga is you are willing to undergo the process - the challenge of the training,” he said.


He further told that the youth must always be grateful to their parents for their sacrifices they are doing for them.


“Ang mga magulang gagawin yan lahat para sa mga anak and reward your parents for those,” Visaya told.


“Be humble in all achievements and sa lahat ng mararating mo. Lastly, always commit to the Lord the desires of your heart and trust his plans for your life,” he added.

Other Ykalinga Military Pilots of his Class


Ykalingas who graduated this year for said training also include ILT Pauline Marie S Waytan, PMA Class 2015 from Lubuagan, 2LT Rushid M Banganan, PAFOCS Class 2017 from Tanudan, and 2LT Reynold D. Pasiwat, PMA Class 2018 from Rizal.


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