FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - The 53rd Engineer Brigade of the Philippine Army welcomed its new Commander in a Change of Command Ceremony at Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City today, March 6, 2020.
The Philippine Army Commanding General Gilbert I. Gapay, the ceremony's Presiding General and Guest of Honor, welcomed the incoming Commander Col. Gerardo P. Catindoy. He will assume as the 53rd Engineer Brigade’s commander.
Catindoy completed academic requirements for a degree in master of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City and graduated with a degree at the University of New South Wales, in canberra, Australia.
Gapay also lauded the efforts of outgoing Commander Brig. Gen. Joselyn R. Bandarlipe who has distinguished herself in the areas of engineering, logistics, and the development sector alongside leading the unit.
Bandarlipe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering before being commissioned in the Army, graduating as a member of Officer Candidate School Class 4 in 1990. To further hone her expertise, she took the Engineer Officer Advance Course at the Combat Support School and the Command and General Staff Course at the AFP Command and General Staff College. She was one of the female tactical officers who trained the first batch of female cadets at the Philippine Military Academy starting in 1993.
In the same ceremony, Bandarlipe was also awarded the Distinguished Service Star for her outstanding performance during her stint in the 53rd Engineer Brigade. She will now serve the Army Support Command as Deputy.
"May you continue to inspire all women in uniform to be assertive and undaunted leaders," Gapay addressed Bandarlipe.
To Catindoy, "continue to uphold the legacy of your predecessors. I am confident that with your leadership skills and professionalism, you will chart several milestones and bring this brigade to greater heights."
"Live up to your name as 'Visayas Builders'," said Gapay. "Together, let us build a world-class Army that is a source of National Pride," he added. #
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