FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - A new chief of the Office of the Chief Housing Philippine Army assumed post in a change of chief of office ceremony presided by Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on March 6, 2023.
Col. Darwin F. Hernandez assumed as the new Office of the Chief Housing Philippine Army (OCHPA) succeeding Col. Maynard G. Camarao who has taken helm of the Cebu City-based 53rd Engineer “Visayas Builders” Brigade on February 26, 2023.
Col. Hernandez, prior to his new post, served as deputy commander of the 55th Engineer Brigade (55EBde). He has also held key command and staff posts such as human rights officer and chief of the Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability of 55EBde; inspector general, chief of staff, and public affairs officer of 51st Engineer Brigade (51EBde); and commanding officer of the 564th Engineer Combat Battalion, 51EBde.
Col. Hernandez is part of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Bantay Laya" Class of 1994. He holds two master's degrees: Public Administration from the Southwestern University and Public Management Major in Development and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).
Meanwhile, Col. Camarao, prior to his new designation, served as the chief of the Office of the Chief Housing, Philippine Army (OCHPA). He held key command and staff positions throughout his career such as the chief of Investigation Branch, Office of the Inspector General, Philippine Army; Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, of the 55th Engineer Brigade; and as commanding officer of the 524th Engineer Construction Battalion. He also served as Command Engineer of the National Development Support Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Col. Camarao, just like his successor, belongs to PMA "Bantay Laya" Class of 1994. He is a licensed Civil Engineer and has earned his Master's Degree in Public Management Major in Development Security from DAP.
Maj. Gen. Camba, in his keynote speech, lauded Col. Camarao for effectively managing Philippine Army Housing Units and AFP Transient Facilities during his more than two-year stint as OCHPA Chief. He likewise expressed confidence that Col. Hernandez's vast knowledge, experience, and skills in military engineering and procurement will bring fresh perspectives to OCHPA.
Photos by Cpl. Josel P Sucayan PA/ OACPA