A flag officer and two other senior officers of the Philippine Navy (PN) were promoted to the next higher rank in a donning ceremony held at the PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila on Monday.

Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, PN Flag Officer in Command, presided over the ceremony as Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, donned his second star while 2nd Marine Brigade Commander Arturo Rojas and Offshore Combat Force (OCF) Commander Joe Anthony Orbe were elevated to the ranks of brigadier general and commodore, respectively.

Bacordo congratulated the Navy officers whom he said "embody the vision, maturity, and professionalism needed for senior officers" to help the Navy achieve its goal of having a "modern and multi-capable naval defense institution" which is responsive to the country's current and emerging security challenges.

"A star on your shoulder means excellence is also highly expected of you as you are given more responsibilities that goes with your rank," the Navy Chief said.

Adaci is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Makatao" Class of 1989.

The Philippine Navy said that Adaci "has built a reputable and distinguished naval career specializing in naval operations, education and training, and personnel management and administration." 

Prior to his present post, Adaci served as the commander of the Naval Installation Command, the unit in charge of providing base and combat support services to Navy and AFP units located inside naval bases and stations all over the country.

Meanwhile, Rojas is a product of the PMA "Bigkis-Lahi" Class of 1990. 

Rojas held various notable positions in the Navy and the Philippine Marine Corps, including as the director of Center for Naval Leadership and Excellence, and commnader of the 4th Marine Brigade in Sulu, before he was deployed to head the 2nd Marine Brigade.

Lastly, Orbe as an alumnus of the PMA "Tanglaw-Diwa" Class of 1992. 

He previously served as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Operations, and deputy commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NSSC) where he assisted in the development and execution of the NSSC Capacity Building Strategy prior to his present designation as OCF commander.

"This ceremonial donning of ranks serves to recognize the milestone in the career of these three senior officers achieved through hard work and sacrifice," Bacordo said.