FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Commanding General, Philippine Army led the inauguration of the Office of the International Military Affairs (Probationary) (OIMA (P))’s new office, here today, March 16, 2020.
OIMA (P), which was activated last August 5, 2019, aims to carry out the International Defense and Security Engagements (IDSE) activities of the Philippine Army through the facilitation of all administrative requirements of Army’s bilateral and multilateral engagements. The office is currently headed by Army’s new Chief Military Diplomat, Col. Ferdinand Rey G. Ga.
“The Philippine Army stands in a complex dimension of defense and security. As we fully grasp our potential in this landscape, we shall see to it that we are capacitated to gain optimum capability development,” notes Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay during the ceremony.
“I would also like to congratulate Col. Ferdinand Rey G. Ga for your new role as the chief of OIMA. I am confident that with the skilled and efficient officers and support personnel of OIMA, the office will thrive in service to accomplish the Army’s mission and vision, particularly on our IDSEs,” added the CGPA.
The office was previously under the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff (OG5), named as the International Affairs Branch (IAB) that chiefly oversees Army’s participation in all foreign engagements. However, IDSE activities increased in number and OG5’s core functions was significantly affected. This led to the conceptualization of an office which will solely cater IDSE requirements of the PA. Following the former CGPA’s guidance, Gen. Macairog S. Alberto (Ret), OIMA was conceptualized on April 20, 2019.
“I am confident that with this new office, OIMA can further strengthen and expand our engagements with strategic partners and allies, and explore confidence-building with our non-traditional partners,” said Gapay. “Diplomacy is a fragile, yet powerful tool, it can either bear the fruits of peace or spark a dreadful war. And with this, I conclude that OIMA is not just a branch, it is an empowered body of diplomats equipped to enable world-class capabilities of the army, and envision the sustainable sovereignty of the Philippines,” he added.#