From the Commander - Speeches

10 February 2009
Relinquishment speech of Major General Jogy Leo L. Fojas AFP
Change of Command Ceremony, 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, PA
NFEM Grandstand, Panacan, Davao City

Today, I gladly turn over the command of the 10th ID to an officer and a gentleman who, through the years, has displayed an awesome commitment and dedication to the profession of arms – MGEN Reynaldo Mapagu AFP. Rey, I wish you well and I very well know you will surpass all the challenges that will come your way as the new comdr of 10ID.

I am happy to leave 10ID knowing that I have contributed a lot for its evolution into a more dynamic and responsive organization not only for mission accomplishment, but in service to God, country and people.

Region 11, Sarangani Province and South Cotabato has been my home for the past eleven months as commander of this division. With my stint here, I can honestly say that I've served the people in these areas unselfishly and with sincerity. I am now at a poignant position because I truly wanted to stay longer to continue the momentum of the counter – insurgency efforts that I have started and consequently reap the fruits of such efforts. But as an officer and a gentleman, I have to adhere as what duty beckons. Thus, my duty as commander of 10ID comes full circle. On the otherhand, I leave in high spirits, with the thoughts that I have contributed a lot in the restoration of a stable and relatively peaceful situation that we are presently experiencing here in this part of Mindanao. Today, I gladly turn over the command of the 10th ID to an officer and a gentleman who, through the years, has displayed an awesome commitment and dedication to the profession of arms – MGEN Reynaldo Mapagu AFP. Rey, I wish you well and I very well know you will surpass all the challenges that will come your way as the new comdr of 10ID.

I am happy to leave 10ID knowing that I have contributed a lot for its evolution into a more dynamic and responsive organization not only for mission accomplishment, but in service to God, country and people.

Region 11, Sarangani Province and South Cotabato has been my home for the past eleven months as commander of this division. With my stint here, I can honestly say that I've served the people in these areas unselfishly and with sincerity. I am now at a poignant position because I truly wanted to stay longer to continue the momentum of the counter – insurgency efforts that I have started and consequently reap the fruits of such efforts. But as an officer and a gentleman, I have to adhere as what duty beckons. Thus, my duty as commander of 10ID comes full circle. On the otherhand, I leave in high spirits, with the thoughts that I have contributed a lot in the restoration of a stable and relatively peaceful situation that we are presently experiencing here in this part of Mindanao .

My stint here and my recent assignment in the NCR command have been another professional achievement on my part. I look at them with great pride, honor and gratitude, because I cannot claim sole credit for what have been accomplished. Today as I move on to take another position, I take pride in saying that though 10ID is the youngest division of the Philippine Army, it has achieved a lot in its years of existence. I added some more.

God has planned it so well that he assigned me here. And I may not be able to enumerate all what we have achieved. I believe it is best for these accomplishments if left untold. Suffice for me to say that during my incumbency, we reversed the situation –we kept the enemy always on the run. Generally, we are now experiencing relative peace around the region despite some potent threats. On the early part of my watch, we suffered some blunders but, we were able to immediately correct them and turned the tide in our favor.

With these accomplishments, I owe everything and so much more to God for all these opportunities and privileges. He has been infinitely good to me and shall be my beacon and my guide.

To all the people whom I worked with here in 10ID, my assistant division commander, BGen Bing Vizcarra, my chief of staff, Col. Raffy Valencia, the general, special and personal staff, line unit commanders from brigade, task force down to battalion and company levels, to the proud and gallant officers, men and women of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, I commend all of you - for together we have transcended challenging times into better opportunities, and for keeping that faith in your hearts that we will succeed. You did not only help me make the 10th Infantry Division, one of the best fighting infantry divisions of the Philippine Army and but also an organization that is a partner in nation building.

May I also take this opportunity to thank our commanding general, Philippine Army for the continued support, trust, and confidence given to me.

To my successor, MGEN Mapagu, despite the successes that we gained, there is still much to be done.

To our distinguished guests especially the local government executives, (gov migs dominguez of sarangani province is even one of the recipients of the award) thank you for sharing with us your valuable time and for the continued support you extended to the 10th ID. Your presence here today does not only give us the assurance of your continued support to the peace and security efforts of 10ID, but as an inspiration to give our best as we collectively work to achieve for a peaceful Mindanao and the prosperity of the filipino people.

To all of you who are present today- you have in your own small way helped turn the 10ID into what it is now . . . . . . . . . . A reality made so much more meaningful because each and everyone of you have become a part of it.

As I leave this command, I shall carry with me cherished memories of our people here and shall always become my source of strength. I shall leave with full certainty that this command will transcend whatever challenges it is facing now. Knowing the incoming commander, this division won't fail in its mandated tasks.

Before I end, let me again exhort the officers and men of 10ID to continue pursuing our shared vision, most especially with our battle cry . . . . .. Fight! Fight! Fight!. Give your new commander the same degree of support and cooperation that you have accorded me, or even more, so that 10ID may be able to help in attaining the long lasting peace and security that region 11 has been longing for.

In some ways, we have just begun. Our best could only be good enough, but the best is yet to come. I encourage you to not just do your best, do what is necessary. So, let us keep on believing.

Again, to all of you, thank you so much- mabuhay tayong lahat!

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