TESDA-Caraga fetes outgoing 402IB CO
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) - Outgoing Commanding
Officer BGen Jonathan Ponce of the 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade was
commended by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA)-Caraga for establishing strong partnership with the agency in developing
human resources.
The awarding took place in time with the Brigade’s
Change of Command Ceremony on Wednesday at Camp Bancasi here.
TESDA-Caraga assistant regional director and
concurrent provincial director of TESDA-Surigao del Sur Rey M. Cueva awarded
the Certificate of Commendation to Gen Ponce in grateful acknowledgment for his
remarkable commitment and significant contributions to the development of
skills and manpower under his Areas of Responsibilities, in partnership with
TESDA which involve pursuing peace and development through the delivery of
skills and livelihood programs especially in peace-challenged barangays and for
assisting in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the victims of
calamities/disasters, resulting in the upliftment of their social and economic
well-being.
Prior to the activity, Gen Ponce visited
TESDA-Caraga Regional Office on Tuesday, a day before he turned-over his
command responsibilities to the newly commander of the brigade – Col Isidro
Purisima.
As a sign of gratitude for the strong partnership
with the agency, Ponce acknowledged the good relationship he had with TESDA
through the leadership of TESDA-Caraga regional director Florencio F. Sunico,
Jr.
It can be recalled that during the term of Gen Ponce,
the Philippine Army has been a strong advocate and recipients of skills
development for which TESDA has played major role in training the government
troops on different skills, competencies and qualifications.
In his speech, Gen Ponce underscored the strong
partnership that he had experienced with the different private and public
stakeholders in the region. He thanked the local chief executives of the
different provinces and cities as well as the different heads of offices of the
regional government agencies for the unending support rendered to the
Philippine Army to ensure that peace and development will be attained.
“Before I will leave my post and accept the new
responsibilities assigned to me, I would like to personally thank the local
government officials of the different local government units as well as the
heads of the different government agencies for relentlessly giving out their
full support to the Brigade as they are one with the Philippine Army’s vision
to attain peace and development,” Gen Ponce said.
Ponce likewise said he is hopeful that the same
treatment and support will be given to the new Brigade Commander so that the
projects which he has started will be continued for the common good of the
people. “Therefore, I ask the indulgence of our local officials and heads of
offices to continue their support and let us be united in attaining our
ultimate goal – that is, to have sustainable peace and development,” said
Ponce.
Gen Ponce is replaced by Col Isidro L Purisima.
Gen Ponce who has recently promoted, will be assigned at the Philippine Army
General Headquarters in Manila, it was learned.
MGen Oscar T Lactao, Commanding Officer of the
Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division based in Cagayan de Oro City
graced the event and witnessed the ceremonial change of command. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)
