CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- From being the son of a janitor and a mother who worked part-time doing laundry, Lieutenant General Jimmy D. Larida PN(M) rose through the ranks to become the 51st Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (VCSAFP), a journey the military honored during his retirement ceremony on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the AFP Commissioned Officers Country, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Lt. Gen. Larida’s retirement ceremony was presided over by General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. PA, Chief of Staff, AFP at Tejeros Hall. It celebrated not only his distinguished military service but also a life story defined by perseverance, hard work, and unwavering dedication to duty. From humble beginnings, he built a career marked by discipline, sacrifice, and honor, serving as an inspiration to soldiers and Filipinos alike.
In recognition of his military career, Lt. Gen. Larida was presented with plaques and mementos, including the Command Plaque, Plaque of Honorable Service, and Framed Medals, among others. He also took his oath as a reservist during the Oathtaking and Incorporation to the Reserve Force, signifying his continued commitment to serve the nation beyond active military duty.
In his message, Gen. Brawner paid tribute to Lt. Gen. Larida’s leadership and legacy, saying, “As the Vice Chief of Staff of the AFP, he carried a role that is both demanding and indispensable. Under his leadership, the Office of the VCSAFP continued to perform its mandate with efficiency. But beyond positions and responsibilities, what truly defines Lt. Gen. Larida’s legacy is his character as a Marine leader.”
He added that throughout Lt. Gen. Larida’s decades in uniform, he consistently exemplified the Marine ethos of "Karangalan, Katungkulan, Kabayanihan", while demonstrating operational excellence and leadership that earned the trust and respect of those who served alongside him.
As Lt. Gen. Larida concluded his active military service, the AFP expressed its deepest gratitude for his decades of unwavering dedication. Gen. Brawner said the nation is safer and the institution is stronger because of leaders like him who devoted their lives to the service of the Filipino people.
Photo by SSg Ray Ambay PA/PAOAFP
