FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army welcomes the new Chief of the Office of the Secretary Army General Staff (OSAGS) in a ceremony here today, November 4, 2020.
The Philippine Army Chief of Staff and Acting Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Rowen S. Tolentino presided the Change of Chief of Office Ceremony as outgoing Lt. Col. Ivan V. San Jose relinquished his post to incoming Lt. Col. Von Albert M. Sumergido.
Prior to his new designation, Lt. Col. Sumergido handled command and staff positions in Armor Division, 2nd Infantry Division, Training and Doctrine Command, Presidential Security Group, and Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans, Philippine Army (OG5, PA). He graduated from Philippine Military Academy (PMA) as a part of “Marilag” Class 1995, and completed his Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies at the Australian National University and International Security at the Massey University in New Zealand.
On the other hand, Lt. Col. San Jose worked on the improvement of communications, research, and protocol functions of OSAGS. During his stint, the office has conducted virtual workshops for its personnel during the quarantine period to sustain the office’s effectivity. He initiated various workshops such as effective writing, and service custom and tradition. He is set to pursue his Master in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines. He is also a member of PMA Class of 1995.
“Great leaders demonstrate ingenuity. And, this ingenuity persuades actions in men. In effect, these actions translate into trust and productivity. Exactly, this is the Army’s key to success. Thankfully, we have leaders who stand out for their ingenuity,” said Maj. Gen. Tolentino.
“To Lt. Col San Jose, accept the Army’s gratitude. All these prove how you value the service, which, of course, contributes to the Army’s mission. And to Lt. Col. Sumergido, your new role will be full of expectations as that for all previous SAGS. But, I know that you are similarly capable of handling the demands of the position,” he added. #