Undersecretary Raymundo Ferrer, a Philippine Army (PA) veteran, assumed post as the new Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday, August 2.
Ferrer took his oath of office before Department of National Defense (DND) Officer in Charge and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chairperson Jose Faustino Jr. at the DND Building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
"Usec. Ferrer brings to OCD his vast experience in emergency operations, being an army veteran and as a management specialist," said NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal.
Ferrer assumed the position at a critical time as the OCD continues to manage the impact of the powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Abra and other areas in Northern Luzon.
As the OCD Administrator, Ferrer will consequently perform all of the functions as the Executive Director of the NDRRMC.
Prior to this, Ferrer served in the Army where a big portion of his career was spent in Mindanao. His last assignment before he retired in 2012 was leading the Zamboanga-based Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM).
He also held several senior command positions including as commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) based in Davao City from January 2009 to November 2011; commander of the 6th Infantry Division in Central Mindanao from March 2007 to January 2009; commander of the 1st Infantry Division in Zamboanga Peninsula from September 2006 to March 2007; and commander of 103rd Infantry Brigade in Basilan from January 2004 to September 2006.
Ferrer replaced Ricardo Jalad who served in the Council for a brief extended term under the Marcos administration to ensure the swift transfer of power to the new leadership.
"We also like to thank our dear CDA Emeritus, Usec Ricardo Jalad, for his memorable and triumphant six years of leadership to OCD. Through his guiding hand tempered by compassionate and exemplary wisdom, OCD was able to advance as the country's premier disaster management agency," Timbal said.