BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) conducted a Testimonial Parade and Review on June 19 in honor of their Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Cartujano.
He is set to retire on June 26, 2022 after 34 years in military service, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of military personnel at 56.
During the ceremony, Cartujano was accorded the Outstanding Alumnus Award in recognition of his distinguished service and various endeavors.
"This milestone in his brilliant career is a testimony of his exceptional leadership and dedication that brought honor to his proud alma mater," the citation reads.
Military ceremonial parades have been established to bestow honor to the Philippine flag. Recipients of awards and decorations are also accorded this honor.
Earlier, Cartujano rendered an exit call to Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. at the Philippine Army's main headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila. He conveyed to the Army chief the significant reforms he established at the PMA during his leadership.
Cartujano is the 82nd superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy and is a proud member of the PMA Maringal Class of 1988. Prior to his assignment at PMA, his unit, the Air Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, was named the Philippine Air Force Functional Command of the Year in 2019.
His medal as a pilot was tested when he was assigned with the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing as an assault pilot with numerous aerial and tactical missions in support to combat operations against communist terrorists in different regions in the Philippines.
These combat experiences inspired him to take the Air Intelligence Officer's Course where he graduated at the top of his class. It also opened doors for him to occupy staff positions which also prepared him to be squadron commander of the 505th Search and Rescue Squadron.
His exceptional leadership in the unit earned him the award of Philippine Air Force Best Squadron Commander of the Year for three consecutive years. (DEG-PIA CAR)
