KINILALA at pinuri ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang mahalagang kontribusyon ni outgoing Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. kasabay ng mainit na pagtanggap sa kanyang successor na si Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta, sa isinagawang change of command at retirement ceremony, araw ng Biyernes.

Sa naging talumpati ng Pangulo, binigyang diin nito na si Adaci ay umanib sa PN noong 2022 na may commitment na i-develop ang isang makabago, multi-capable naval force sa gitna ng mapaghamong mga pangyayari.

“His commitment, leadership, and vision has significantly strengthened our naval capabilities and enhanced our readiness to face the rapidly evolving challenges of today. He was exactly what this country needed: mild-mannered and calm,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos.

“His presence of mind unshakeable despite provocations and attempts to escalate tensions. It is through his leadership that we remain firm in asserting our rights in the maritime domain while keeping to our responsibility of safeguarding lives and promoting regional peace and stability,” dagdag na wika nito.

Dinetalye rin ni Pangulong Marcos ang “commendable accomplishments” ni Adaci partikular na ang kanyang ‘modernization efforts’ dahilan para malagyan ang naval forces ng advanced assets at teknolohiya, pinagtibay na defense posture at pinalakas na humanitarian assistance at disaster response capabilities.

Binigyang diin din ng Punong Ehekutibo ang naging papel ni Adaci sa ‘championing regional cooperation and partnership’ sa pamamagitan ng pangangalagaan ang malakas na ugnayan ng Pilipinas sa mga kaalyado at kalapit-bansa at i-promote ang pagsisikap na pagtutulungan para sa kapayapaan at katatagan sa maritime zones ng bansa.

“Aside from improving operations, Vice Admiral Adaci sought to strengthen the Philippine Navy as an institution, lifting the morale of all officers, troops, and civilian personnel,” ang winika ng Pangulo.

“He is attuned to the needs of his people. He supported their training, their growth, and welfare, ensuring that the women and men of the Philippine Navy remain professional and capable of heeding the call of duty,” aniya pa rin.

Pinasalamatan naman ni Pangulong Marcos ang pamilya ni Adaci, kinilala na ang kanilang pagsuporta ay mayroong instrumental role sa pagbibigay inspirasyon dito (Adaci) na magsilbi sa bayan.

“Vice Admiral Adaci, you leave behind substantial reports of your legacy. Even though not everyone will have the opportunity to read them, those words will come alive in the stories shared by those who served with you,” ani Pangulong Marcos.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for your exemplary and passionate service. We wish you fair winds and following seas as you embark onto your next journey,” aniya pa rin.

Si Adaci ay nagsilbi bilang PN’s Flag Officer-in-Command mula November 2022 hanggang November 2024. Ang mga naging papel nito sa nakaraan ay Commander ng Naval Forces Western Mindanao mula October 2020 hanggang November 2022, at Commander ng Fleet-Marine Ready Force mula March 2018 hanggang October 2020.

Sa retirement ceremony ni Adaci, pinarangalan siya ni Pangulong Marcos ng Philippine Legion of Honor, Degree of Commander.

At bago pa matapos ang talumpati ng Pangulo ay mainit na tinanggap naman nito si Ezpeleta, nagpahayag ng kumpiyansa ang Chief Executive sa liderato nito at umaasa na ipagpapatuloy ni Ezpeleta ang mataas na pamantayan na itinakda ng kanyang predecessor na si Adaci.

“As Vice Admiral Adaci has demonstrated, your predecessors are always difficult acts to follow, but given your competence, your experience, and mental fortitude, I am confident you will continue to lead the Navy with integrity and surpass any challenges that you might confront,” ang sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos kay Ezpeleta.

“I look forward to working with you and I give you my full support as you build on your legacy. Let us work together as we steer the future in the right direction for a more secure, advanced, and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas,” ang sinabi ng Pangulo.

Bago pa maging Flag Officer-in-Command, si Ezpeleta ay nagsilbi bilang Vice Commander ng naval forces mula August 2024 hanggang November 2024, Chief of Staff ng PN mula August 2022 hanggang August 2024, at Commander ng Naval Forces Southern Luzon mula September 2019 hanggang August 2022. ( Daris Jose)