CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held a Change of Chief of Office and Retirement Ceremony for the Office of the Chief Engineer (OTCE) at Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers’ Country on March 26.

The event honored retiring Brigadier General Ulpiano T Olarte PA with Lieutenant General Rommel P Roldan PAF, The Deputy Chief of Staff AFP, presiding.

Prior to this role, BGen Olarte was the inaugural commander of the Philippine Army Combat Engineer Regiment (PACER), established in March 2024. Before leading PACER, BGen Olarter commanded the 55th Engineer "Mobilizer" Brigade. He was commissioned from the Officer Candidate School "Tanikala" Class of 1994.

The ceremony also served as the official handover of responsibilities to Brigadier General Jonjie C Juguilon PA who will now serve as the Acting Chief TCE, AFP.

LtGen Roldan, in his address, lauded BGen Olarte’s exemplary service and expressed confidence in BGen Juguilon’s ability to lead the office forward. He emphasized the importance of continuity and excellence in the AFP’s mission to protect and serve the Filipino people.///

Photos by: SSg Manzano PA / PAOAFP

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) successfully concluded its first quarter meeting in Batanes, culminating in a significant visit to Mavulis Island, the northernmost part of the Philippines.

The meeting, held on March 24, 2025 was focused on enhancing maritime domain awareness, addressing the province’s peace and security situation in line with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, and strengthening Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) capabilities.

The meeting was attended by key figures, including Hon. Ignacio C. Villa, Provincial Vice Governor of Batanes; LtGen Rommel P Roldan PAF, The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP; Mr. Francisco Del Rosario Jr., AFP MSGC Chairperson; BGen Joel M Paloma PA, AFP MSGC Head Secretariat and Chief, Office for Strategic Studies and Strategy Management; Mr. Justinne H. Socito, Public Administrator, Provincial Government of Batanes; and Ms. Melissa Gretchen C. Pama, Department Head, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Batanes.

The AFP MSGC, a vital advisory body composed of leaders and experts from various sectors, plays a crucial role in guiding the AFP in the implementation of its transformation roadmap towards its vision of becoming a world-class armed force.///

Photos by: A1C Castro PAF / PAOAFP

EXERCISE BALIKATAN | The Philippine Navy 3rd Naval Combat Engineer Battalion and the US Army 523rd Engineering Support Company held a groundbreaking ceremony on March 22, for the Sitio Manggahan Community Health Center, Rizal, Palawan as part of the Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA) program of Exercise Balikatan 40-2025. This initiative reflects the strong Philippines-U.S. partnership, demonstrating their shared commitment to community development.

Through Balikatan, both forces enhance interoperability while directly supporting local needs, ensuring a lasting impact beyond military training. With construction now underway, the health center will soon serve as a vital resource for residents, strengthening local healthcare services.

Photos by: 3NCEBn