MisOcc guv commissioned as reserve officer in Army

The Philippine Army’s Tabak Commander, 1ID Philippine Army (PA) MGEN Antonio G. Nafarrete administers donning of rank to newly promoted Commissioned Reserve Officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Philippine Army to LTC Henry Oaminal (RES) PA, held at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center, May 19. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

Depicted as a remarkable leader with values anchored on clear vision, humility, and good governance, Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Sevilla Oaminal was commissioned as Philippine Army reservist with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) by Tabak Commander, 1st Infantry Division (1ID), Philippine Army (PA) MGEN Antonio G. Nafarrete, May 19.

"I am humbled and honored by this opportunity to be part of the Philippine Army as a Reserve Officer. I have always harbored tremendous respect for members of our Armed Forces, especially the Philippine Army and to be even considered as one of them is already indeed an honor," Oaminal said.

The Philippine Army’s Tabak Commander, 1st Infantry Division (1ID), Philippine Army (PA) MGEN Antonio G. Nafarrete assisted by Commander Western Mindanao Command LTGen Roy M Galido donned the newly Commissioned Reserve Officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Philippine Army to LTC Henry Oaminal (RES) PA held at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center.

Nafarrete congratulated the newly commissioned reserve officer, Governor LTC Henry S. Oaminal.

“As respected Governor of Misamis Occidental with remarkable leadership skills anchored with clear vision, humility, and good governance. I expect nothing less from you than your best effort now that you are already part of the noble profession of arms. Always keep in mind that rank does not confer privilege or power; rather, it imposes responsibility,” Nafarrete emphasized.

The values of military discipline are more honorable than rank and title. “We need reserve officers who are not only molded in the strictest military discipline, not only physically strong but, more importantly, intellectually and emotionally mature and prepared to lead men in the most challenging circumstances,” he shared.

In his message, Governor/ LTC Henry S. Oaminal expressed gratitude to the Philippine Army 1st Infantry Division for the opportunity of being donned and commissioned in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Philippine Army Reserve.

Oaminal said that obtaining a rank simply means being responsible and ready to be of further service to his countrymen. "Today, as I become a member of the reserve force, I stand tall with pride and honor for the recognition that the AFP has accorded me. I chose to be part of the reserve force of the Philippine Army because it is close to my heart being our vital partner in promoting peace and security in the province," the governor said.

Governor LTC Oaminal also said that one of the goals of the province is to become insurgency-free and drug free by the end of 2023.

"In realizing this goal, we need to strongly collaborate with our Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies, as well as our development partners from various sectors of society," he said.

"Peace and security are key factors in attaining this vision because their impacts create an enabling environment for the fundamentals of a society's progress such as human capital formation and infrastructure. Peace and development must go hand in hand. The more peaceful a society, the more prosperous and stable it is," he emphasized.

For CY 2023, the provincial government allocated P100 million for the peace and order programs which included anti-insurgency and anti-illegal drugs campaign and operations, support to the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration or ELCAC and End Local Communist Armed Conflict or ELCAC programs and activities, training and seminars, logistical support to law enforcement, among others.

"As a father of this province, it is my dream that every Misamisnon will have better quality of life that is why we are vigorously pursuing our vision of Asenso Misamis Occidental with our 5Ms Thrust of Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon,"the governor added.

Donning of Ranks is a ceremonial acknowledgement for the achievement of the promotion who rendered exceptional performance in the line of public service. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)