CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—Major General Rowen Tolentino assumed as new Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy on Friday, August 12.
He replaced BGen Julius A Tomines, the current Commandant of Cadets, who stood as the Acting Superintendent following Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Cartujano’s retirement last June after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
The Change of Command Ceremony held at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City was presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro.
Prior to his appointment, MGen. Tolentino served as the Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, the 703rd Infantry Brigade and the 2nd and 3rd Mechanized Battalion of the Philippine Army. He also served as deputy commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army (PA); and Chief of Staff, PA.
He was awarded Distinguished Service Stars, Gold Cross Medal, Bronze Cross Medals, Military Merit Medals, Military Civic Action Medals, Commendation Medals, Ribbons, Badges, Distinguished Service Award, Plaques, and Letter of Commendations in recognition of his performance in his various positions.
With the enactment of Republic Act 11709, MGen Tolentino will be the first superintendent to render a four-year fixed-term in the academy.
In his speech, Lt. Gen. Bacarro emphasized the role of PMA and its officers and personnel in their “essential and indispensable contribution in molding brilliant officer-scholars, who in the future will be tasked not only with defending our country but also with contributing to our earnest pursuit of peace and progress.”
He also recognized the new Superintendent’s capability to lead the academy, given his distinguished and remarkable military career “MGen Tolentino’s track record, proven sharpness, and acumen in organizational management, I am certain that PMA is in competent and steady hands. Know that the AFP’s leadership supports you unconditionally,” Lt. Gen. Bacarro vouched. (VICTOR BALDEMOR)
