The men and women of the Philippine Army welcome the new AFP Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Eduardo SL Oban Jr as he visited for the first time the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila this morning.
Among the highlights of Lt Gen Oban's visit was the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers (TUKS), Libingan Ng Mga Bayani (LNMB); visit to the wounded soldiers confined at the Fort Bonifacio General Hospital; an open forum with the Army soldiers; and a command briefing at the Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA) Conference Room.
The visit is part of AFP Chief's effort to get acquainted with the AFP's major service units, its officers, and personnel, as he leads the Armed Forces of the Philippines in this challenging time.
In his talk with the Army personnel, Lt Gen Oban emphasized the importance of strengthening the soldiers' integrity for them to effectively carry out their mandate. He likewise highlighted the value of leadership, the commitment of every enlisted personnel and the professionalism of the civilian employees that comprised the AFP organization.
Earlier, in his command guidance, Lt Gen Oban discussed the reform initiatives of the AFP under his watch. On genuine reforms, the AFP chief directed the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, J5 to put into motion the crafting of the AFP Transformation Roadmap. He likewise tasked the AFP Human Rights Office to come up with an action plan to ensure zero violations of human rights, International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law through proactive measures that seek to indoctrinate and inculcate in the soldiers its role as true protector of the people.
Lt Gen Oban also puts premium on the effective implementation of the IPSP Bayanihan. This, he said, will allow the organization to actively support the peaceful resolution of conflict and the attainment of sustained development.
On modernization, the AFP chief directed J5 to undertake deliberate planning and review of the capability development program to make it more responsive.
Also of paramount consideration under Lt Gen Oban's leadership is the immediate implementation of President Aquino's flagship housing project starting with the initial 10,000 units intended for AFP personnel.
Philippine Army Press Release
