PMA honors Gen. Brawner

BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) held a testimonial parade and review to honor Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. who is set to retire later this month.
Upon his arrival at the Sundial Area of Fort De Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Brawner was accorded military honors. PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia and the other officers, employees and PMA cadets welcomed Brawner, who was accompanied by his wife Melody, his children and other family members.
In the military ceremony held at the Borromeo Field, Brawner was conferred the Outstanding PMA Alumnus Award (Ulirang Alumnus ng Akademiya) in recognition of his distinguished service and exemplary leadership in the AFP.
Over the course of his military career, he held key leadership positions across the AFP, including Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Commandant of Cadets of the PMA, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, and other major command and staff assignments.
He also pursued advanced studies in information management, business administration, and strategic studies in both local and foreign institutions, further reflecting his commitment to professional growth and military leadership.
Brawner also shared words of encouragement to the cadets, reminding them to persevere through challenges and remain grounded in service, unity, faith, and trust in God’s timing.
“There will be moments when you struggle and question yourself. There will be instances when you fail and wonder whether you really belong here. When those times come, remember this: take it one day at a time, serve others before yourself, stay united in purpose, trust God’s timing and have faith even when you cannot see where the road leads,” Brawner said in his message.
As part of his continuing support for the training and development of cadets, Brawner turned over cash donation to the PMA from the proceeds of the Chief of Staff AFP Cup Shoot Fest 2026 conducted March.
Brawner’s support for PMA and its cadets, as an alumnus of the Academy, was also previously demonstrated through the donation of a Modern Model Classroom through the Brawner Cavaliers Foundation, which was blessed and inaugurated at Melchor Hall on November 22, 2025. The facility has since been used to support classroom instruction and the academic development of cadets.
According to the PMA, these initiatives reflect General Brawner’s enduring commitment to PMA and to the formation of future military leaders. “Through his support, he continues to contribute to the Academy’s mission of developing cadets who are physically fit, academically grounded, and prepared for the responsibilities of service to the nation,” the PMA said.
Brawner was born and raised in Baguio City and traces his roots in Ifugao. His parents were former Court of Appeals Presiding Justice and COMELEC Commissioner Romeo Brawner Sr. and the late UP Baguio professor Lenora Fe Brawner.
Brawner is the 60th Chief of Staff of the AFP and is set to retire on July 21, 2026 after 41 years in military service. **JDP/RMC- PIA-CAR