By Francis Wakefield Camp Aguinaldo has a new Camp Commander in the person of Colonel William Ilagan who replaced Brig. Gen. Dominic Pulido who retired from the military service on Friday, April 5, 2019. The General Headquarters and Headquarters Service Command (GHQ & HSC) welcomed Colonel Ilagan as its new chief following the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony held the same day. No less than Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., presided the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony. In his speech, Madrigal said the role of a Camp Commander is very crucial especially in maintaining the security in and around Camp Aguinaldo. As the main camp of the AFP, Camp Aguinaldo, houses within its compound the Department of National Defense (DND) and the General Headquarters of the AFP. “The role of Camp Commander comes with vital tasks, including ensuring the security of the National Defense Complex and the General Headquarters where the Command Group operates,” Madrigal said. According to the AFP's Public Affairs Office, Col. Ilagan graduated from the FEATI University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He also has a Master's Degree in Public Management (Major in Development Security) from the Development Academy of the Philippines, Master of Business Administration from Ateneo De Manila University, and Senior Executive Course on National Security from the National Defense College of the Philippines. Colonel Ilagan also comes with extensive infrastructure management experience having been assigned as the Chief of the Army Housing Office, supervising numerous housing projects for Philippine Army personnel nationwide. His other positions include Deputy and Acting Chief of the AFP Real Estate Office, Chief of Architectural and Engineering Division of the Office of The Chief Engineer, and Commanding Officer of the 564th Engineering Construction Battalion. “I am confident that Colonel Ilagan, with his vast experience in security and defense management, engineering and construction, and as a military officer, will be able to perform his duties and responsibilities as the new Camp Commander,” Madrigal said. As the previous Camp Commander, Pulido was instrumental in pushing for several infrastructure projects in Camp Aguinaldo including the full renovation of the AFP Grandstand now known as the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand. Pulido also initiated the construction and opening of the new Gate 5 along White Plains Avenue and facilitated the construction of a street that connects Segundo Avenue to Enrile Avenue, thus making travel between Gate 1 and Gate 6 along Col Bonny Serrano Avenue shorter. “Brig. Gen. Pulido has done a great job in managing the security of the Camp and in maintaining a conducive environment for soldiers, civilian employees, and other government officials working here,” Madrigal said.