Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado has retired as the Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) of the Philippine Navy (PN), capping off a 38-year career in the military service.
Bordado was replaced in an acting capacity by Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia, the erstwhile PN vice commander. The joint retirement and change of command ceremonies were held at the PN headquarters in Manila on Thursday, Sept. 8.
Department of National Defense (DND) Officer in Charge Jose Faustino Jr. presided over the ceremonies and hailed the “sterling accomplishments and fruitful military career” of Bordado as the 39th FOIC.
A testimonial salute followed by the hauling down of the personal flag signaled the ceremonious culmination of Bordado's watch as the PN's “Supremo” and his decades of “invaluable service and contributions” to the military organization and the country.
A native of Calabanga, Camarines Sur, Bordado graduated as Top 4 of the Philippine Military Academy "Maringal" Class of 1988. He is an accomplished surface warfare officer and a highly-decorated naval officer with expertise in the fields of naval operations, intelligence, and education and training.
He steered the organization since June 8, 2021, or for 15 months, with his leadership thrust anchored on the intertwined concepts of "continuity and change." Under his watch, the PN was able to sustain its course amid challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, cope up with the “new normal,” and reach new milestones that advanced the Navy's resolve to become a modern and multi-capable force.
Notable among these accomplishments were the PN's successful inaugural hosting of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium; third participation in the Rim of the Pacific 2022, the world's largest naval exercise; activation of the Naval Operating Base-Subic; acquisition of four CESSNA Skyhawk II trainer aircraft: delivery of the first Mistral 3 surface-to-air missiles for the Jose Rizal-class frigates; and the recent acquisition of the first two units of Shaldag MK V fast attack interdiction craft-missile.
“My confidence in the future of this organization is also strengthened by what I see. And this is what I see: the Philippine Navy will continue to grow into the organization it aspires to be. It will excel, surpass, outpace, outlearn, outwork, and outdo the competition. And the competition is itself,” declared Bordado, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 on Friday, Sept. 9.
Meanwhile, Valencia succeeded Bordado in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a full-fledged PN FOIC by the AFP Commander-in-Chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Faustino assured Valencia of his “full trust and confidence” as he gave a marching order to “lead the Navy as a reliable partner in nation-building, sustain its transformation into a modern and multi-capable force, a dependable protector not only of our seas but also of our nation’s future.”
In his speech, Valencia vowed to continue the thrusts and guidance of his predecessor as the PN’s steward until Marcos decides to whom he gives the mantle of leadership of the maritime nation’s premier fighting force at sea and from the sea.
He said the PN will receive modern assets within the next five years including seven additional units of Acero-class gunboats, landing docks, new generation corvettes, and offshore patrol vessels among others.
Valencia is an underclassman of Bordado and a graduate of PMA “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990.
Among the key positions he recently held in the Navy include the chief of naval staff; commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon, the PN’s operational command that oversees the maritime area over the entire Northern Luzon; and commander of the Offshore Combat Force where he spearheaded big-ticket projects initiated by the PN such as the acquisition of offshore patrol vessels, frigates, and corvettes.