FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Philippine Army’s top officer oversaw the ceremonial turnover of command of the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division (7ID) through video-conferencing on Wednesday (March 25), because of the Luzon quarantine imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
From his office at Fort Bonifacio in Manila, Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, the Army’s commanding officer, presided over the change of command ceremony of Major General Lenard Agustin, who retired and relinquished the 7ID to Brigadier General Alfredo Rosario, Jr.
Quarantine rules banning activities that draw crowds had prevented the 7ID from proceeding with the Testimonial Parade and Review.
It held the ceremony inside the Kaugnay Officers’ Clubhouse with a small group of family members and officers who all wore surgical masks.
Agustin joked that COVID-19 made his retirement ceremony “unforgettable” and “unique.”
During the program, Rosario stressed that “as our government confronts this contagion …, we play a very vital role of maintaining order to prevent the occurrence of social unrest during this difficult time.”