Divinagracia out, Batayola in as 1st Cavalry Squadron commander

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 26): Divinagracia out, Batayola in as 1st Cavalry Squadron commander

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola Jr. has assumed Thursday as the new commander of the 1st Cavalry Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army, which is based here, vice Lt. Col. Antonio John Divinagracia who has been transferred to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissary Exchange Service (AFPCES), General Headquarters, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In a change of command ceremony held at Camp Jacobe E. Zobel here, MGen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz, Mechanized Infantry Division commander and the event’s guest of honor and speaker, said the transfer of military officials to their new assignments “is one of the programs and reforms implemented by the higher command” to provide quality of service to the stakeholders. “These measures are continuing steps to realize our vision of becoming a world class army that is a source of national pride,” he added.

Apart from our intent to institute changes, Dela Cruz said, “this activity demonstrates flexibility and versatility of our senior officers in the 1st Cavalry Squadron in carrying out their tasks effectively in the different working environments and more importantly, this also endeavors to rationalize the job placement of our officers as we hope to attain efficiency among them.”

Dela Cruz also commended Divinagracia for his efforts that contributed to the accomplishment of the army’s mission in the region.

“Your efforts are definitely not in vain for you have contributed much to the accomplishment of our mission in this part of region.  Indeed, you have delivered your duty exceptionally well,” Dela Cruz stressed.

With the incoming commander’s enthusiasm and adherence to the army’s mandate, Dela Cruz believed he would continue to propel the unit to significant achievements through his personal and professional undertakings.

“I want you to focus on your role as new commander in this unit.  Build up your knowledge and experience while establishing stronger networks to our key stakeholders,” he urged adding “take pride in the uniform you wear as you perform your patriotic duty as protector of the people and the state like what you did during the Zamboanga crisis in September 2013.”

“Let us preserve our gains and continue working with the different agencies of government as we fulfill our mission for the people of Western Mindanao. We should not rest in our laurels. Instead, we let our accomplishments challenge us to do more and continually pursue excellence in all our undertakings,” Dela Cruz concluded.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371422245320/divinagracia-out-batayola-in-as-1st-cavalry-squadron-commander