Four military officers have been promoted to the next higher rank in a ceremony held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) bared Sunday, June 27.

AFP Chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana led the donning of ranks for newly promoted officers bannered by now Major Gen. Henry Razalan, of the Office of the Internal Auditor.

Meanwhile, those who obtained their first star were Brig. Gen. Augusto Gaite, chief of the AFP Real Estate Office; Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Razalan, assistant deputy chief for reservist and retiree affairs; and Brig. Gen. Robert Velasco, commander of Joint Task Force Malampaya.

"Your promotions not only exemplify your personal achievements but also signify the added responsibility and higher expectation to continuously uphold our mandate and perform excellently for the good of our country and people," Sobejana told the promoted officers during the ceremony last June 25.

The AFP Chief urged the four officers to use their new ranks as an "inspiration" in doing their best in the performance of their duties.

"May the responsibility that comes with this achievement not become a burden to you but rather motivate and inspire you more to work even harder as senior trusted officers of the AFP," Sobejana noted.

The donning of rank is a long-standing tradition in the military that signifies the development and readiness of personnel to take on a higher responsibility. It also indicates the growing trust and confidence of the organization to a deserving individual.