The Philippine Army installed a new chief of the Office of the Army Chief of Engineers (OACE) yesterday, December 15, 2021.
Chief of Staff, Philippine Army (CSPA) Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong presided leadership turnover from the outgoing ACE Col. Randy Fajilagutan to incoming Acting ACE Col. Antonio Rota.
Before his post, Col. Rota serves as the Deputy ACE since August 2020. He was commissioned in 1991 and completed the Officer Preparatory Course in 1993. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Misamis Institute of Technology and completed a Master in Public Management Major in Development Security. He was assigned to various Army engineer units where he held key positions such as the Chief of Staff and Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations of the 54th Engineer Brigade (54EBde). He also became the Commanding Officer of 547th Engineer Combat Battalion and Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations of the 52nd Engineer Brigade.
During Col. Rota's assumption speech, he called on the OACE to continue being innovative and adaptable to changes as it is necessary to make the office's output relevant when rendered to the ground. He also highlighted the importance of stewardship of Army facilities, equipment, and other resources because these are drivers and enablers of the office's mission.
On the other hand, Col. Fajilagutan will assume as the next Commander of the 54th Engineer Brigade. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Management. He completed the Officer Candidate Course in 1991. Among the notable projects of the OACE under his leadership is the preparation of the detailed Architectural and Engineering Plans of 19 new and six repair projects of Army facilities.
Despite limitations due to the pandemic, Col. Fajilagutan closely coordinated with the concerned units to successfully conduct meetings and conferences to monitor and supervise administrative and contract projects.
In his message, the CSPA encourages the personnel of OACE to support the newly installed ACE to serve the Philippine Army better.
"To the OACE family, welcome your new Chief as his designation embodies the continuity of your hard work and hope for further initiatives. Work with Col Rota as one team and serve selflessly while ensuring timely compliance. In line with your outgoing Chief's reminders, I encourage all of you to make the utmost of your talents and skills in the service of God, country, and people," addressed Maj. Gen. Capulong.