BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) honored outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino through a testimonial parade and review on August 5, 2022.
Centino was also conferred the Outstanding PMA Alumnus Award, Ulirang Alumnus ng Akademya.
“In recognition of his distinguished service in various fields of endeavors and designations and as the 57th Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines. This milestone in their career is a testimony of their exceptional leadership and dedication that brought honor to their proud alma mater,” the citation reads.
Centino is a member of the PMA MARINGAL Class of 1988. Prior to his designation as the AFP chief of staff, he served as the 64th commanding general of the Philippine Army. His exemplary leadership and dedication to duty were recognized through his awards and decorations including four distinguished service stars, gold cross medal, silver cross medal, bronze cross medal and several merit medals both for combat and administration.
On August 8, 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. conferred the Philippine Legion of Honor, Rank of Punong Komandante or Chief Commander to Centino during the AFP change of command. The award is given to officers of the AFP for their meritorious and exceptional service rendered to the country and to the Filipino people.
Centino will hold a position at the AFP Headquarters until he reaches his mandatory retirement age of 56 on February 4, 2023
In the same day, Centino relinquished his post to Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, a recipient of the highest award for combat in the AFP. A Medal of Valor awardee in 1991, Bacarro earned awards and recognitions. He was also conferred the PMA Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1998.
He is the first CSAFP to be given a fixed three-term as the AFP chief of staff following the signing of Republic Act 11709 on April 13, 2022 that sets a fixed three-year tour of duty for the AFP chief of staff, vice chief of staff, the deputy chief of staff, the major service commanders (Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy), unified command commanders, and inspector general unless sooner terminated by the President. **JDP/DEG-PIA CAR
