By
Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU CITY, October 16 (PIA) -- Philippine Air Force (PAF)
Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado presided over the change of command
of the 2nd Air Division of the PAF-Visayas based in Mactan, Lapulapu City early
this week with the retirement of Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz.
Side buoys honors were given to Poquiz while arrival honors were
also done for the incoming commander of the 2nd Air Division Maj. Gen.
Eusaquito Manalo.
In his retirement speech, Poquiz said after 37 and ½ years in
active military service, it is with mixed feelings of sadness and joy that he
would be leaving an organization he spent the best years of his life with.
“While the AFP may have its share of flaws and weaknesses, it is
an organization we can be proud of. It continuously strived to improve itself,
more than any other unit or office in the government bureaucracy,” said Poquiz
in his more than 30-minute speech that detailed his frustrations, challenges
and triumphs in the military service.
Poquiz did not forget to thank his men in the Visayas for their
dedication and commitment in helping and serving the victims of disasters that
witnessed three last year during his reign namely the August 16 ship collision
in Cordova, the October 15 7.2 magnitude earthquake and super Typhoon Yolanda
last November 8 which killed thousands of lives leaving thousands more injured
and homeless.
The Yolanda tragedy however, was a real witness to the selfless,
untiring service and heroic deeds of the PAF-Visayas personnel, said Poquiz.
“Ang maipagmalaki ko
lang, ang katapatan at kabayanihan ng ating mga Air Force dito sa Visayas ay
hindi kayang tawaran. Napatunayan ito nung naghasik ng lagim si Yolanda. Maski
sugatan, duguan, hilo, tuliro, naghihina sa walang kain, tubig at tulog at
sakit sa matinding sinapit nila,” bared Poquiz.
“I shall always treasure the opportunity of having served our
countrymen in their hour of need and in the direst of conditions,” revealed the
outgoing 2nd Air Division commander.
Lt. Gen. Delgado in his remarks also exalted the achievements of
Poquiz as he expressed optimism that the incoming commander will also show
great attainment in various missions in disaster response, territorial defense
and internal security operations. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)