Camp Sang-An, Zamboanga del Sur – Two senior officers were installed as the new chiefs of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training, OG8, and the Office of the Division Inspector General (ODIG) in a Joint Change of Chief of Office Ceremony at the Division Conference Room on Tuesday, April 12.
Col. Rommel R. Cabanayan and Col. William George S. Cordova, newly assigned officers with the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, now lead the OG8 and ODIG, respectively.
Col. Cabanayan took over the position from the outgoing Acting Division Education and Training Staff Officer Maj. Garry O. Cruzado, while Col. Cordova assumed as the new Division Inspector General, replacing Col. Billy O. Dela Rosa, who is now the Deputy Commander of the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade based in Marawi City.
In his remarks, Maj. Cruzado thanked the 1ID leadership for entrusting the OG8 under his direction for seven months. He is confident that the office was able to perform its duty despite the increasing demands from higher headquarters.
Likewise, Col. Dela Rosa enjoined the Division staff officers and sub-unit commanders to sustain the gains by learning the dynamics of the new parameters for the Philippine Army Annual General Inspection (AGI).
“The 1st Infantry Division stayed on top of other Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs) during the IG inspection for two consecutive years,” he said. “Always remember that the name of the game for this inspection is preparation; prepare your respective offices and units.”
The Tabak Division received a Certificate of Excellence in 2020 for being the No. 1 among all PAMUs in 2020 and a Certificate of Recognition for obtaining the highest overall rating among all ground operating units in 2021 from the Office of the Inspector General, Philippine Army.
The newly installed G8, Col. Cabanayan, said that his designation as the Division Education and Training Staff Officer serves as another challenge for him, a very significant responsibility. He assured the 1ID leadership that he will work well with the other members of Team Tabak.
Col. Cordova also vowed to continue with steadfast determination and commitment to contribute to accomplishing the unit’s mission. According to him, his new position is a major challenge he has to face, more so that he has to keep up with what his predecessor has achieved.
Meanwhile, the Division Commander Maj. Gen. Gene M. Ponio congratulated the two newly installed chiefs of offices. He also expressed his gratitude to the two outgoing for showing their full support in all endeavors of the 1ID and their dedication by obediently following and doing what is asked of them.