8ID new commander receives favorable reviews on his assumption speech

By EMY BONIFACIO, Samar News.com
August 26, 2010

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The newly installed Commanding General of the Storm Troopers Division will do a lot of proving to the Samarnons by concretizing into actions his management policies and strategies in crippling the insurgents' activities in the area. This was after his remarkable assumption speech was delivered on the occasion of the Change of Command Ceremony of the 8th Infantry Division  held last August 25, this year at the 8ID grandstand.

MGen. Mario Fontanella Chan, has assumed his post as the 16th Commander of the 8th Infantry Division (Storm Troopers) Philippine Army based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar. Chan's replacement of MGen Arthur I. Tabaquero, who was re-assigned to the NCR Command, was by virtue of General Orders 571 dated August 17, 2010.

In a very well delivered assumption speech that has received a remarkable impact to the audience for its sincerity and simplicity, MGen. Chan narrated his outstanding accomplishments in the 4th ID, his previous assignment as Commanding General. He expressed his confidence that his assignment to his new post is in recognition of his ability to command. He mentioned without bragging the fact that under his leadership, the 4th ID was awarded twice as the "Best Division" by two Commanding Generals of the Philippine Army.

Chan considers teamwork and human development investment as major factors in achieving organizational goals. He recognizes the importance of capacitating people as the greatest asset in any successful institution. Thus, he ordered the pursuance of their mission to stop insurgency, but not leaving behind his men's well being and welfare as a priority.

"Samar is definitely a new and welcome challenge to me. It is said to be where the first battalion formation of the New People's Army was organized," says Chan. However, he expressed his readiness to address the challenges, further stating that he will not fail the Armed Forces and the Filipino people.

Furthermore, he promised to fully empower his troops. "I will work with you, struggle with you and fight for you. Beginning today, I will make sure that not one of you will be left unattended," was his assurance. Chan clearly made his advocacies in promoting a participatory leadership, instilling discipline and the protection and promotion of human rights as guiding principles.

He stressed that the will to fight and the capacity to fight should always go hand in hand. Investing on human development and enhancing the morale of team members will lead to victories. He motivated his men to strengthen unity and solidarity as foundations of teambuilding.

As part of the commander’s strategies, he will continue forging alliances with all stakeholders. "We need civil society's support. After all, insurgency is a social menace", he adds. It is also his belief that insurgency is an economic and political problem that needs empowered local government units that will provide those solutions. Likewise, he will continue soliciting media’s support after fully recognizing its indispensable role in giving the right information at the right time.

His speech got the media’s interest when he assured the Samarnons to complete his mission in neutralizing the armed movement in a shorter period time.