The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) formally installed Major Gen. Rowen Tolentino as the new Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the country’s premier military training institution, on Friday, August 12.
Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vincent Bacarro, AFP Chief of Staff, presided over the Change of Command ceremony held at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City.
Tolentino replaced Brig. Gen. Julius Tomines, the current PMA Commandant of Cadets, who stood as the acting Superintendent when Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Cartujano retired from the service back in June.
Prior to the appointment, Tolentino served as the commander of the 2nd Infantry Division in Tanay, Rizal in 2019, replacing Bacarro. He also held other key command posts as commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade in Nueva Ecija; and the Philippine Army’s 2nd and 4rd Mechanized Battalion.
He also became the deputy commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, and Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army.
Tolentino, a member of the PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989, was awarded numerous awards and recognitions including Distinguished Service Stars, Gold Cross Medal, Bronze Cross Medals, Military Merit Medals, Military Civic Action Medals, Commendation Medals, ribbons, badges, Distinguished Service Award, plaques, and Letter of Commendations in recognition of his performance in various military posts.
In Bacarro’s speech, he emphasized the role of the PMA, its officers, and personnel in their “essential and indispensable contribution in molding brilliant officer-scholars” who will be tasked to defend the country and contribute to the military’s “earnest pursuit of peace and progress.”
He also recognized Tolentino’s capability to lead the academy, citing his “distinguished and remarkable” career as a military officer.
“ MGen. Tolentin’s track record, proven sharpness, and acumen in organizational management, I am certain that PMA is in competent and steady hands. Know that the AFP’s leadership supports you unconditionally,” said Bacarro.