FORT GENERAL GREGORIO H DEL PILAR, Baguio City - The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) held the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony of LIEUTENANT GENERAL ROWEN S TOLENTINO PA, 84th Superintendent, PMA at the Borromeo Field on Saturday, 20 July 2024

The program officially started with the arrival honors for the incoming Superintendent, PMA, REAR ADMIRAL CAESAR BERNARD N VALENCIA PN, followed by the guest book signing at the Lim Hall Lobby.

The Testimonial Parade and Review at the Borromeo Field was followed by the Awarding Ceremony. The Adjutant General Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), BGEN BERNARDO R FORTEZ JR PA read the citation of awards followed by the awarding of the Philippine Legion of Honor, awarding of the Recertification on Institutionalized Status and Seal of Excellence, and awarding of the Ulirang Alumnus.

Subsequently, the Change of Command Ceremony commenced with an invocation led by HIS EXCELLENCY MOST REVEREND OSCAR JAIME L FLORENCIO, D. D., followed by the reading of the relief and designation orders by the Adjutant General, AFP; reading and signing of relinquishment orders by the outgoing Superintendent, PMA; lowering of personal flag of the Outgoing Superintendent, PMA by SMS Charles B Bumanglag PA, Command Sergeant Major; reading and signing of assumption orders by the incoming Superintendent, PMA; hand over of Command Symbol; and the hoisting of personal flag of the incoming Superintendent, PMA.

The incoming Superintendent, PMA, RADM VALENCIA PN delivered his remarks. He extended his profound appreciation to the following authority: “At the onset, I extend my profound gratitude to our President and Commander-in-Chief for designating me as the 85th Superintendent of our Alma Mater. This gratitude also extends to the Secretary of National Defense and the board of Generals led of course by Chief of Staff for their recommendation for me to assume this coveted post.”

“For someone who has walked the sacred grounds of the Borromeo Field, my assumption as Superintendent is a priceless honor. I have come full circle – likely ending my career in the place where it all began. I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed on my shoulders as I take the helm of our revered institution. Indeed, to be trusted is the greatest of all compliments”, he supplemented.

“And as we embark on this new chapter together, I call on stakeholders, our Alumni, the faculty, and staff to continue to move forward banking on the reforms instituted by my predecessor. Together, we will continue to ensure that the PMA continues to produce leaders for our maritime nation. Together, we shall ensure that the PMA remains as the bright beacon of the land. And as for my first official directive, all policies and procedures instituted by my predecessor shall remain in effect unless rescinded by me.” RADM VALENCIA PN emphasized.

Likewise, GENERAL ROMEO S BRAWNER JR PA, Chief of Staff, AFP gave his message. “As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us be reminded of the importance of the PMA to our nation. It is a place where future leaders are molded, where character is built, and where the spirit of patriotism is deeply ingrained. The PMA does not just build soldiers; it builds heroes who are ready to serve and protect our country with unyielding dedication.”

Afterward, the Adjutant General, AFP read the retirement orders, and then the outgoing Superintendent, PMA received the Command Plaque; Plaque of Honorable Service; Pagpupugay Plaque, Philippine Army; Personal Flag; 2ID, PA Unit Flag; PMA Unit Flag; and an Encased Philippine Flag. Also, Mrs Tolentino, the wife of LTGEN TOLENTINO PA, received a Plaque of Appreciation.

Thereafter, the outgoing Superintendent, PMA was then incorporated into the Reserve Force by the Army Adjutant, COL DANILO E ESTRANERO PA (GSC) followed by an Oath Taking to the Reserve Force led by the Commanding General, Philippine Army, LTGEN ROY M GALIDO PA.

Lastly, LTGEN TOLENTINO PA delivered his Valedictory Address. He first narrated his experiences, “…I first knew the PMA in 1979 after watching the movie, “Kadete” starring Jay Ilagan. I think I watched it three times and ever since, I knew what I wanted to be, and that is, to be a PMA cadet and eventually to become an officer… I am destined to enter PMA. So, it was really divine providence and destiny.”

He also express his deepest gratitude, “My stint as the 84th Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy will be one of my greatest honors and privilege. So this leads me to my foremost message to all of you here – maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Ako ay sinamahan niyo, tinulungan niyo, ginabayan at sinabayan sa pagsisilbi dito sa ating Akademya. It is because of you that we have successfully implemented the mission and vision of our nation’s premier institution for military leaders. The success of the academy is not mine alone, but it is attributed to each member of team PMA to claim.”

Lastly, he gave his encouraging message to the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP), “To my cadets, never lose sight of our motto, ‘Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty’. Remember what I told you that the common denominator of all these motto is humility.

Courage doesn’t mean you can just face danger outrightly. You have to be humble enough to realize that there are several forces much greater or stronger than you. Humility will make you not underestimate your enemy, may it be moral or physical. Be sure that you are always prepared.

Integrity - You should be humble enough to realize that there are universally accepted sets of standards, ethics and morality. Otherwise, you will become vain or bitter if you think you have the monopoly of integrity. Be humble in spreading your beliefs and advocacies.

And Loyalty - In serving our country, be humble enough to realize that your country and the Filipino people are also taking care of you. It is just fitting that you serve them with commitment and humility. And at the end of the day, be humble enough to realize that there is a supreme being greater than all of us. Whatever beliefs you have, keep that faith and mean well to everyone.”
Consequently, the singing of the PMA Alma Mater song took place. The program concluded with the Pass in Review.