Manila (30 July) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved the designation of Rear Admiral Ferdinand Golez as the new Flag Officer-in-Command (FOIC) of the Philippine Navy effective August 2, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced Tuesday.

Golez will replace Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, who is for compulsory retirement on the same date.

Teodoro and the AFP Board of Generals had recommended Golez with two other candidates, namely Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag and Rear Admiral Geronimo Defensor, for FOIC of the Philippine Navy. All three belong to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1976.

Golez is the incumbent Commander of the Naval Education and Training Command of the Philippine Navy based in San Antonio, Zambales.

He is expected to serve as the Navy Chief until May 16, 2010 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Prior to his present position, the new Navy chief held these significant assignments: Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Intelligence, N-2 and concurrent Commander of the Naval Intelligence and Security Force (NISF); Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Operations, N-3; Commander, Patrol Force, Philippine Fleet; Commander, Naval forces Southern Luzon; and Commander, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.

He was also Commanding Officer of various Philippine Navy ships among which were: BRP Quezon (PS 70), BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19), and BRP Bagong Lakas (PG 102).

Golez has undergone various military education and training, significant of which were: the Naval Command Course at the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island; the Royal Australian Navy Staff Course in New South Wales, Australia; the Naval Command and Staff Course at the Naval Training Command, Philippine Navy; the Psychological Operations Course in the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and other military training courses.

His civilian education include a certificate of Business Management from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia and a Masters in Business Administration candidate in Ateneo de Manila School of Business.

He is also a recipient of various military awards, decorations and commendations. Significant of these are four Distinguished Service Stars, one Outstanding Achievement Medal, one Distinguished Navy Cross and several others. He is married to the former Shirley Mamaril. He has a daughter, Kristine and two sons, Raymond, a graduate of the US Naval Academy class of 2003, and Jerome.

Meanwhile, the President also approved the ad interim appointment of seven brigadier generals to the next higher rank, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense and the AFP Board of Generals.

Appointed as major generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were:

BGen Ricardo A David Jr. - presently the Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. He was also the Chief of AFP Command Center; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, AJ1; and Brigade Commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

BGen Jerry V Jalandoni - currently the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4. He was also the Chairman of GHQ Bids & Awards Committee (BAC), a permanent member of the DND BAC and Chairman of the AFP BAC.

BGen Roland M Detabali - the incumbent commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army. He also served as Army Internal Auditor; Asst. Division Commander, 2nd Infantry Division; and commander 202 Brigade, Philippine Army.

BGen Nestor Z. Ochoa - presently the Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army. He was the Commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, PA; the Asst. Division Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division; the Chief of AFP Command Center; and The Internal Auditor, AFP.

BGen Johnny B. Corcha - is the Commander of Army Support Command (ASCOM). He was also the Asst. Division Commander, 5th Infantry Division; Asst. Division Commander, 3rd Infantry Division; and Asst. Division Commander, 8th Infantry Division.

BGen Carlos B. Holganza - presently the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Philippine Army. He also served as Chief, Anti-Smuggling Council, Office of the President, RP; the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of National Defense; and Commander 1001 Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army.