FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila- The Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay installed the new Army Support Command (ASCOM) Commander today, February 20, at ASCOM Grandstand.
In a Change of Command ceremony, Gapay handed over the command symbol from the outgoing ASCOM commander, Maj. Gen. Byron H. Calimag to incoming Brig. Gen. Glenn E. Cruz.
ASCOM is primarily responsible for the delivery of various logistic supplies as well as in providing support to the administrative and operational requirements of Army units. Resource and sustainment, from basic supplies to complex military equipment, is central to the success of the Army’s mission.
During the assumption, Cruz mentioned to prioritize ASCOM’s personnel readiness, enhancement of sustainment operations, modernization in terms of ASCOM headquarters’ transfer to Tarlac, and other plans in line with Army’s thrusts. “Let us all continue to tread the way towards greater heights as we sustain and provide the best resources for the Philippine Army,” he said.
Cruz served as the Deputy Commander of ASCOM and held various logistics positions. He was the Commander of the Service Support Battalion and subsequently as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics in 9th Infantry Division. From 2015 to 2018, Cruz served as the Executive Officer, Deputy, and as Chief of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics in Army Headquarters.
He is an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990 and took the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command and General Staff Course in 2009. He also holds a Master’s degree in Management Major in Public Administration.
Meanwhile, Calimag retired from the service after working in the Army for more than 38 years. During his stint, ASCOM was able to fast-track the distribution and issuance of logistic supplies to different PA units. Moreover, ASCOM conducted several trainings to ensure that the command personnel are equipped in maintaining the serviceability status of logistical equipment.
“ASCOM plays one of the biggest roles in achieving [Army’s mission effectiveness]. This is especially more important now considering we have a timeline to end the communist terrorist threat before 2022. The Philippine Army will continue to support all of your initiatives, as your unit continues to fulfill its mandate, which will significantly contribute to further capacitating our frontline units,” addressed Gapay.
“To the men and women of the Army Support Command, I encourage each of you to show the same level of unwavering commitment and consistent support to your newly-designated Commander. Aid and assist your commander in all of your unit’s assigned tasks and ensure that your plans and objectives are always met and aligned with our mission and vision,” he added.#