NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila – With the compulsory retirement from the military service of 39th Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy (FOIC, PN) Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado, his deputy, Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia succeeded him in acting capacity pending the appointment of a full-fledged FOIC, PN by the AFP Commander-in-Chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Change of Command and Retirement Ceremonies were held Thursday, September 8 at the PN headquarters in Manila, with Department of National Defense Officer-in-Charge, Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. witnessing the event as the guest of honor and presiding officer.
USec. Faustino assured Rear Adm. Valencia of his “full trust and confidence” and gave a marching order to “lead the Navy as a reliable partner in nation-building, sustain its transformation into a modern and multi-capable force, a dependable protector not only of our seas but also of our nation’s future.”
Being the Navy’s “steward until our Commander-in-Chief decides to whom he gives the mantle of leadership of this maritime nation’s premier fighting force at sea and from the sea”, Rear Adm. Valencia vowed to continue the thrusts and guidance of his predecessor while looking forward to the bright future of the organization.
“As we continue to sail on towards our vision year in 2028 to be Modern and Multi-Capable, the Navy’s promise to our maritime nation is that your Navy can still be better, and that your Navy will be better. And although much has been achieved over the years, the Navy’s proudest moments are still to come”, emphasized the acting FOIC.
Rear Adm. Valencia is a graduate of Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990. Some key positions he recently held in the Navy include the Chief of Naval Staff, the Commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon, the PN’s operational command that oversees the maritime area over the entire Northern Luzon, and the Commander of the Offshore Combat Force wherein he spearheaded big-ticket projects initiated by the Navy such as the acquisition of offshore patrol vessels, frigates and corvettes.