CGPA presides 1ID change of command, visits 4ID

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army Commanding General visited the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID) and the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) on Friday, January 17 at Camp Sang-an Zamboanga del Sur and Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City, respectively.

Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay presided the turnover of leadership of the 1ID in a Change of Command Ceremony where he handed the command symbol from the outgoing Maj. Gen. Roberto T. Ancan to incoming Brig. Gen. Generoso M. Ponio. “The calibre of leadership greatly impacts on the quality of performance and level of success of a unit. The challenge is to build on the gains of the 1ID for lasting peace and for sustainable development,” noted Gapay. In the afternoon, CGPA graced 4ID’s “Barrio PEACE-TA sa Kampo 2020” as part of the division’s 50th Founding Anniversary.

In his speeches, the CGPA lauded the two division’s significant efforts in contributing to the overall mission accomplishment of the Army. He highlighted 1ID’s successful operations in safeguarding stability and progress in the Southern Mindanao Region and commended the 4ID for being a pioneer implementer of Executive Order 70 which created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Gapay also reiterated to the troops about Army’s major thrusts in order to capacitate the command towards greater mission effectiveness. “The Army’s purpose and projections for 2020 are clear and doable; and I ask for unity in thought, word, and deed as we strive to become an even better and more effective force.” added Gapay.#