• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
An Ilonggo general has taken the lead of the 110,000-strong Philippine Army.
Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete assumed command of the Philippine Army on July 31, in a ceremony held at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, replacing outgoing Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.
Nafarrete, of Calinog, Iloilo, was installed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with the Change of Command and Retirement ceremony attended by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and other Army division commanders, including Maj. Gen.Michael Samson, 3rd Infantry Division chief.
Prior to his present position, Nafarrete served as commander of the AFP Western Command, 1st Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Zampelan, 1101st Infantry Brigade, and also served as the AFP’s J-3 operations staff.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990, Nafarrete had been assigned for more than a year in Negros Island as commander of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, stationed in central Negros.
Nafarrete said that his leadership would focus on “human capital development,” noting that the strength of any military lies in its personnel.
“Our true strength does not only lie in the weapons we wield, the equipment we acquire, nor the technologies we adopt. It lies in you, our personnel,” Nafarette told the 110,000-strong PA during the turnover ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
He said his focus is on recognizing the sacrifices and steadfastness of all Filipino soldiers serving the country.
“Under my command, our focus will be centered on human capital development. A mission within our vision, to invest not just in what we fight, but in who fights,” Nafarrete said, noting that “a high-morale Army is a resilient Army.”
Aside from building a culture of respect and pride, Nafarrete also pledged to recognize service and reward excellence.
“We will ensure that career paths are clear, skills are recognized, and opportunities for growth are accessible to all, from the newest private to the most seasoned NCO (non-commissioned officer). We will foster an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered,” he said.* with PNA reports
