Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran conducted official unit visits to the Artillery Regiment and the Combat Engineer Regiment at Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, on October 28, 2026, inspecting unit capabilities and holding troop engagement sessions, according to a press release issued by the Philippine Army Public Affairs Office on October 30, 2026.
At a glance
- When: October 28, 2026
- Where: Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija
- Who: Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran
- Units visited: Artillery Regiment (Acting Commander Col. Jose Noel T. Romero) and Combat Engineer Regiment (Commander Brig. Gen. Ricnon U. Carolasan)
- Highlights: ceremonial salvo, new Supply Building unveiled, 2 Talk to Troops sessions
- Agenda: 6-point "STRONG" Army guidance
Artillery Regiment Recognized for Communications Push and Reserve Integration
During a Talk to Troops session with the Artillery Regiment, Lt. Gen. Gumiran acknowledged the unit's swift response in enhancing maneuver units, the Philippine Army Public Affairs Office said. He also recognized the regiment's active campaigns for a unified communications system and its implementation of the Artillery Reserve Integration Program.
The Philippine Army PAO release, cleared by Col. Louie G. Dema-ala, Chief of the Public Affairs Office, noted that Gumiran also fired a ceremonial salvo during the visit. He and Artillery Regiment Acting Commander Col. Jose Noel T. Romero jointly unveiled a newly built Supply Building at the installation.
Combat Engineer Regiment's Personnel Readiness Rate Highlighted
At the Combat Engineer Regiment, Lt. Gen. Gumiran expressed support for the unit's ongoing initiatives to raise its personnel readiness rate, describing the thrust as a strategic measure to ensure the capability of its specialized enablers, the press release stated.
Combat Engineer Regiment Commander Brig. Gen. Ricnon U. Carolasan presented the unit's capabilities and assets to Gumiran during the visit, according to the Philippine Army PAO.
Gumiran Reiterates Six-Point "STRONG" Army Agenda
Lt. Gen. Gumiran also reiterated his six-point command agenda for a "STRONG" Army. The framework covers six pillars: Stewardship, Transformation, Readiness, Organizational Development, Nation-Building, and God-Fearing, the press release said.
The Philippine Army Public Affairs Office said, "The Philippine Army remains resolute in carrying out its mission, guided by its Command and senior leaders who shape decisions, set priorities, and strengthen an institutional culture anchored on readiness, professionalism, and faith in God."
Readiness at the Center of the Army Chief's Agenda
The visit put the Army chief's command guidance in front of two of the Army's support units. The Artillery Regiment was recognized for enhancing maneuver units, and the Combat Engineer Regiment, whose personnel the release calls specialized enablers, was backed in its push to raise its readiness rate. Readiness is one of the six points of Gumiran's "STRONG" agenda.
Photo credit: SSg. Cesar P. Lopez, PA/PAO, Philippine Army