The Philippine Army installed a new commander of the 55th Engineer "Mobilizer" Brigade (55EBde) in a Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony presided by Army Vice Commander Brig. Gen. Steve D. Crespillo at the brigade’s headquarters in Balo-I, Lanao Del Norte on February 7, 2023.
Colonel Ulpiano T. Olarte assumed as the new 55EBde commander succeeding Brig. Gen. Irineo F. Sebastian who will hang his uniform for the last time after a military career spanning nearly 36 years.
Colonel Olarte served as deputy brigade commander of the Cebu City-based 53rd “Visayas Builders” Engineer Brigade prior to his new designation. He also served as the Chief of the Real Estate Office of the Philippine Army’s Installation Management Command; Deputy of the Army Real Estate Office; and Assistant Chief of the Academy Staff for Personnel of the Philippine Military Academy.
Colonel Olarte belongs to the AFP Officer Candidate School's "Tanikala" Class 11-94. He is registered civil engineer who holds a civil engineering degree from the Technological Institute of the Philippines. He holds two Master’s degrees: History from the Cebu City-based University of San Carlos and Public Management, Major in Development Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Sebastian is a true-blooded Mobilizer officer having held key leadership and staff posts in the brigade. He was appointed as commander of 55EBde in November 2020, after leading the brigade in acting capacity since June 2019. He also served as commanding officer of the Training and Doctrine Command’s Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battalion and as command engineer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center.
He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sambisig” Class of 1991. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Tarlac State University a graduate diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the Philippines.
Brig. Gen. Crespillo, in his speech on behalf of Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., lauded 55EBde officers and men who provided vital support for Army combat units and humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts in its area of operations. The Army Vice Commander also lauded the brigade for its crucial role in clearing and rebuilding war-torn Marawi City. “You all play a critical role in the overall success of your brigade and the Army. While you help build our nation, be assured of the continuing support of the Headquarters Philippine Army in your endeavors,” Brig. Gen. Crespillo remarked.
Photos from the 55th Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army