Feature: 4CMOBn change of command: a challenge, gratitude in uniformed service

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 13): Feature: 4CMOBn change of command: a challenge, gratitude in uniformed service

In a recent Turn-Over of Command Ceremony held at the Kalayaan Hall, Camp Bancasi in this city, Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Valdez IV became the 4th Civil-Military Operations (Kasaligan) Battallion’s (4CMOBn’s) newest commanding officer.

Valdez replaces outgoing battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Rey Pasco who assumed command last March 14, 2015 until February 10, 2017.

Upon relinquishing his post, Lt. Col. Pasco highlighted in his privileged speech the indigenous peoples (IP)-centric approach on solving the challenges of peace and development particularly in Caraga region where he piloted the capacitation of the IP youth.

“For the first time, the youth from the different Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) in Caraga gathered and actively participated in a summit which equipped them to become better leaders and effective communicators. The activity was successfully conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga under the leadership of Dir. Abner Caga wherein the 1st Regional IP Leadership and Communicators Summit held on December 18-21, 2015 at Tiberias Retreat House, Carmen, Agusan del Norte. Consequently, the group was formally registered at the Security of Exchange Commission (SEC) as Caraga Mindanao Cultural Development Incorporated,” recalled Pasco.

He added that the unit is also instrumental in the creation of Indigenous People Crises Committee (IPCC), together with Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). This group is composed of IP leaders from different CADT areas in Caraga and was organized last November 14, 2015 to provide a venue for ICC/IP leaders to meet, discuss and agree amongst themselves the different issues and concerns currently being confronted by the ICCs.

Meanwhile, in his assumption speech, Lt. Col. Valdez recounted his significant experiences in the military service. He said that he has learned the value of constant learning as a means for personal and professional growth.

"I am more inclined in doing my best and to continue what my predecessor have started and accomplished especially that he has able to make a difference during his term in this battalion," Valdez said.

As the presiding general officer during the change of command, MGen Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., 4th Infantry Division commander, Philippine Army expressed his gratitude to the local media partners and PIA Caraga for the favorable information and communication support which is essential and instrumental in keeping the people abreast about what the Phil. Army is doing for them. He said that it is important to let the public know the army's programs and projects.

Madrigal urged the partner-stakeholders to continue supporting the 4CMOBn in advancing the peace, security and development in the region. Likewise, Madrigal recognized and reiterated its strong partnership with the PIA Caraga wherein several undertakings were carried out successfully.

“The best quality of a Civil-Military Operations Officer should have good background of intelligence since it deals with different government and non-government sectors and it disseminates relevant information to the community,” said MGen Madrigal.

He also stressed that one of the many roles of the Civil Military Operations is to strengthen stakeholder engagements and deliver information effectively and to the communities. “I have placed my trust and confidence in the leadership of these two officers. So, I am challenging them to bear the mantle of perpetuating the rules and mandates of an excellent serviceman,” emphasized MGen Madrigal.

Media partners, some heads of government agencies and private stakeholders witnessed the Change of Command Ceremony.

Service with gratitude

Leading the 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion for 21 months and ten days was a mix of colorful and challenging experiences that taught Lt. Col. Pasco to learn to regulate his life by wisely making decisions and determine actions in perfect calibration.
               
“Setting a certain standard and boundary enables me to perform my duty without grumble,” said Pasco.

He mentioned that what he really wanted was for the Kasaligan Troopers to relearn the good old ways of doing things and unlearn the bad habits. “We started with the basics to be able to address the necessities of our soldiers. We have done many improvements in our facilities, apart from the good transformation within ourselves. And I could not even expressed in words how thankful I am for the wonderful camaraderie we have shown to one another,” sincerely expressed Pasco.

“By improving our administrative processes and support system of companies, we made them feel that we care for them. Taking the responsibility of looking after their welfare has also motivated and inspired them to perform their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities – and that is empowerment,” underscored Pasco.

Pasco remarked in all sincerity that there are things that should be credited to those who rightfully deserve. “I cannot do all these without the support of my co-soldiers. Above all, I thank the Gaotu for His saving graces and blessings in all my battles and undertakings,” modestly enunciated Pasco.

He said that the challenge of leading the Kasaligan Troopers is tremendous toward greater integrity, service and openness. “But as I look at my successor, Lt. Col Valdez, I am very positive and confident that this organization under his leadership will accomplish everything that has been envisioned, and may even surpass what we have achieved,” underlined Pasco.

“To all my friends, I thank you for your support, for your indulgence. I thank you for your comradeship, and above all I thank you for your continued dedication,” concluded Pasco.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761486973767/feature-4cmobn-change-of-command-a-challenge-gratitude-in-uniformed-service