MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The 55th Engineer Brigade welcomed its new commander during a change of command ceremony presided by the Vice Commander of the Philippine Army on Tuesday, February 7, in Baloi, Lanao del Norte.

BGen. Steve Crespillo led the turnover of the unit color to the incoming commander, Col. Ulpiano Olarte, from the outgoing brigade commander, BGen. Irineo Sebastian, who is retiring from service.

Sebastian thanked both the uniformed and non-uniformed members of the Brigade as well as the Brigade's partners for supporting him as a leader and helping him reach his goals.

He described his stint as brigade commander as tedious and challenging but rewarding because of the support he got.

Olarte, on the other hand, thanked the Philippine Army headquarters for putting their trust in him and letting him lead the brigade.

He is also thankful to the brigade's commanders for laying the groundwork for the unit's future, which is programmed to become a combat engineer regiment soon. As such, he promised to nurture their efforts and command the brigade with integrity, professionalism, and excellence.

The new commander is also sure that the brigade will be successful with the continued support and cooperation of their partners and the troopers themselves.

Olarte further directed the army engineer brigade troopers to collaborate and carry out their mission and responsibilities with zeal, tenacity, integrity, and professionalism. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)