Capt. Rona Guevarra's remarkable flight to success

Nursing's loss is aviation's gain with Capt. Rona Guevarra, one of 66 female pilots from Philippine Airlines' roster of 839. The Iloilo City native had set her sights on the nursing profession and was already doing her board review when she saw a pilot recruitment poster in her university campus.

- ANETH NG-LIM

For the first time, the Philippine Air Force opened its recruitment doors to women and Guevarra's friends wanted to try, and encouraged her to do the same. As fate would have it, after rigorous screening and exams, only Guevarra made it. That day, her career was destined for take-off, and over three decades later, she continues to fly high. As we celebrate Women's Month, Guevarra's uplifting story is proof that being open to new opportunities, debunking stereotypes, championing inclusion and embracing hard work and discipline can lead you down new roads as well as up exciting skies.

As a child, did you want to become a pilot? Any other pilots in your family?

I never had any plans of becoming a pilot. In fact, flying never even crossed my mind as I did not have any relatives or friends in the aviation industry. But life has a funny way of steering you down unexpected paths. It landed me among the first batch of female recruits of the Philippine Air Force, and now as a commercial pilot with our national carrier, Philippine Airlines.

In the early 90s when you joined the Philippine Air Force, that was a different time when it came to gender inclusion and diversity. Were your parents concerned about your career change—from nursing to becoming a pilot, which is a male-dominated field?

My parents, who passed years ago, were incredibly supportive of my journey to become a pilot. They offered guidance, encouragement and understanding every step of the way. Their support came in many forms, from emotional encouragement, to helping with practical aspects of my training, or simply being there when I needed them. My father who was in the rice business, offered advice on discipline, perseverance, and how to manage challenges. While my mother, a housewife, with her nurturing care, provided comfort and motivation during difficult times.