Originally from Castilla, Sorsogon, GEN OBAN is a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy Matapat Class of 1979, where he graduated with flying colors and was a recipient of the Aguinaldo Saber.
After military school, he immediately joined the Philippine Air Force and underwent basic and advanced trainings to further his military know-how, such as the Undergraduate Pilot Training at the PAF Flying School in Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, after which, he decided to stay and give back, this time, as an instructor pilot for three years.
A well-rounded scholar, GEN OBAN was later assigned as Special Assistant to the Minister at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as Military Assistant to the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of National Defense, and as Group Commander of the Intelligence and Security Group of the Department of National Defense.
The military man
After five years of special assignments, he took different civilian and military courses both here and overseas. He took up Squadron Officer Course where he graduated 3rd in his class of 65 student-officers. He was topnotch of his class of Air Command and Staff Course in Air Command and Staff College. He, as well, accomplished Joint and Combined Staff Officers Course in the AFP Joint Command and Staff Course.
GEN OBAN also attended the International Defense Management Course in Monterey, USA and the International Flight Safety Officer Course in Kirtland.
He, then, assumed various staff, directorial and command positions within the Armed Forces, expanding his skills and experiences in management of diverse resources. Oban held two Squadron Commander positions at 5th Fighter Wing: as Group Commander of Tactical Operations Group 12 and as Director for Operations of the 5th Fighter Wing.
In addition, he was an Executive Officer of OJ9 which is the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Capability, Materiel and Technology Development in charge of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture and Modernization Programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. GEN OBAN was also an AFP Public Information Officer.
Eventually, GEN OBAN was appointed to key military positions. In the PAF, he served as the Vice Commander, after having been Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Operations, A3, and Commander of Air Defense Wing and 1st Air Division. Before his stint in the second highest post in the Air Force, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, J5, of the AFP.
His participation in the RP-Australia Strategic Leadership Forum, the Second International Session for Southeast Asia in Paris, and the Pacific Air Power Workshop in Guam adds to his series of credentials.
Education beyond the AFP
He studied for a couple of years at the University of Santo Tomas prior to military school. GEN OBAN, as well, finished a master's degree in Business Economics from the University of Asia and the Pacific from July 2003-June 2005. This was while he was performing his functions as the Director for Operations of the 5th Fighter Wing of the PAF.
The Decorated Soldier
Validating the achievements of GEN OBAN JR are several recognitions which he cumulatively received in his long years of military service. He is a recipient of four Distinguished Service Stars, a number of Military Merit Medals, a Golden Aviator Award, two Group Commander of the Year Awards, PAF Group Commander of the Year Award and Military Commendation Medals, among many others.
Philippine Army
