Golez bids goodbye to troops

MANILA, Philippines - Navy Flag Officer-In-Command Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez has started making exit calls to his troops and some of his counterparts in Asia months before his retirement from military service on May 16.

In a telephone interview, Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said Golez started making the farewell visits as early as last month.

“He (Golez) started (making exit calls on Navy troops) last month. He also called on some of his Asian counterparts,” Golez told The STAR last week.

Arevalo said Golez had made farewell visits to Naval Forces in Cebu and Palawan and had called on his counterparts in Singapore and Thailand. Arevalo said the Navy chief is expected to conduct other farewell visits before he retires. 

“During the calls, he (Golez) gave assurances that the next Navy commander will also contribute in the efforts to build cooperation in the region,” the Navy spokesman said.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’76, Golez is the remaining major service commander in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who is not from Class ’78.

The other major service commanders are Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena and Army chief Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, both members of Class ’78 of which President Arroyo is an honorary member.

Arevalo said the troops were saddened that Golez, whom he described as “very professional,” is about to hang his uniform soon.

“They were sad. But they know that leaders come and go,” Arevalo said.

“He is a leader by example. He walks the talk. When he gives guidance, he makes sure he does it. He never treats us like his subordinates. He gives dignity to his personnel,” he added.

On Saturday, the PMA rendered a testimonial parade and review for Golez, whom it considers as an outstanding alumnus. Arevalo said this is in line with the academy’s tradition of honoring alumnus who has rendered “faithful and dedicated service” to the country.

He said Golez also hosted a dinner for Navy cadets of Class 2011 on Friday, an activity that is traditionally organized for graduating students.