The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has committed to continue its support to the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the leadership of its newly appointed AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr.
“The BCDA welcomes the appointment of General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. as the new AFP Chief of Staff. The AFP, under the leadership of General Brawner, can be assured of BCDA’s usual commitment and support to modernize our armed forces,” BCDA Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana said.
The former defense chief added, “We believe that with the strong leadership and proven professionalism of General Brawner, the AFP will maintain its reputation as a professional organization and will be able to sustain its significant accomplishments.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. appointed General Brawner as the 60th AFP chief on July 21 during the change of command ceremony at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Lorenzana also expressed confidence that the new AFP chief will demonstrate resolute commitment in fulfilling the marching orders of the President of modernizing the armed forces.
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 7227, the BCDA is mandated to raise funds for the AFP Modernization Program and to convert former US military bases into economic hubs.
Since its establishment in 1992, BCDA’s contribution to the AFP has reached Php 59.71 billion. Of this amount, Php 48.59 billion went to the AFP Modernization Program and Php 11.12 billion to the replication of military facilities.
General Brawner is the third AFP chief to be appointed by President Marcos, Jr. He succeeded General Andres C. Centino, who was appointed as Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea.
Before taking the helm of the AFP, Brawner was assigned as the Commanding General of the Philippine Army. He also served as AFP Spokesperson, Battalion Commander of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, Operations Officer of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), and Public Affairs chief of the Philippine Army, to name a few.
The new AFP chief is part of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989 where he graduated second in his batch.