ILOILO — The Iloilo provincial government expects closer coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on disaster preparedness and public safety following the appointment of Calinog native Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete as the country’s 61st military chief.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said Nafarrete’s leadership could strengthen the implementation of the province’s Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive and Resilient Province of Iloilo (MoRProGRes) campaign, particularly its Provincial Civil Defense Action component.
“We look forward to working with our new AFP chief, especially on our 4KForMoRProGRes (program) or our Provincial Civil Defense Action,” Defensor said.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed Nafarrete to succeed Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who retired from military service on July 21.
Defensor welcomed the appointment, noting his personal familiarity with Nafarrete and his own affiliation with the military reserve force.
“Lain gid kun kilala mo na kag migo mo ang Chief of Staff. Kapin sa akon nga I am an Army reservist,” the governor said.
Nafarrete is an alumnus of West Visayas State University.
The provincial government, through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), honored Nafarrete and other high-ranking Ilonggo military officers last year for bringing pride and distinction to the province.
On July 21, the SP, led by Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, unanimously passed a resolution commending Nafarrete on his appointment as AFP chief of staff.
Sponsored by 4th District Provincial Board member Rolando Distura, the resolution recognized Nafarrete’s distinguished military career, steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting the country.
“His appointment to the highest military post in the country is a testament to his professionalism, integrity and exemplary service bring on immense pride and honor to the province of Iloilo and the entire Ilonggo community,” the SP stated./PN
