Brig. Gen. Maxima Ignacio (Ret.), recognized by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as its first pilot general, has died at the age of 56.

In a statement, Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, said Ignacio died last September 7, barely four months since her retirement last May 11.

"Emma succumbed to a disease called acute myeloid leukemia," said Ignacio's husband, Capt. Ulysses, in an interview on Friday, Sept. 9.

According to Castillo, Ignacio was the first female PAF regular officer to attain the star rank, and one of the first female pilots the service has ever produced.

Ignacio is a member of Officer Candidate School (OCS) Class of 1990 and joined the PAF Flying School as one of its first female aviation students.

She earned her wings in 1993 and later became the first female pilot of the 220th Airlift Wing, flying the F-27 Fokker aircraft. On Dec. 12, 2018, she was promoted as brigadier general, earning her first star.

“She persevered and worked her way through training and education and contributed significantly in laying down the foundation of the PAF’s strategic plans as well as its gender and development initiatives,” Castillo said.

Prior to her retirement, she held the position of The Adjutant General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In recognition of her outstanding examples of gallantry, dedication, professionalism, and integrity, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and Rotary Club of Makati Metro acclaimed her as one of The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) in 2015.

Ignacio was best remembered in her speech when she was awarded TOPS in 2015: “I always believe that the military is a noble of profession and firmly stand by its nobleness. In my own way, I always do what is right and what is beneficial to the organization.”

Ignacio’s colleagues at PAF attested to the general’s “good heart, commitment and selfless efforts that went beyond the military service.”

According to Castillo, Ignacio, or Ma’am Emma to family, friends, and colleagues, supported her community by sponsoring medals for honor students and scholarships for the indigents. She also gave Christmas presents to children utilizing her yearly Christmas bonus.

“Throughout her career, Brig. Gen. Ignacio has not only excelled as a pilot but also as a planner, strategist, peacekeeper, scholar, and a servant leader,” Castillo said.

“During this time of mourning, we, the men and women of the PAF, join her loved ones in their profound grief over the loss of a great woman who has achieved so much in her life and served the nation with great passion. Rest in Peace Ma'am Emma,” the PAF spokesperson added.

Ignacio will be buried at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City on Sept. 13.