FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — Brigadier General Mario D. Jacinto, PA, has been designated Acting Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army, succeeding Major General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, PA, who formally retired from active military service after nearly four decades of dedicated service to the Philippine Army and the Filipino people during a Testimonial Parade and Review and Retirement Ceremony on October 6, 2026, at the Lt. Galido Grandstand, Zagala Field, Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
The leadership transition marks a new chapter for the Pamilyang Kaugnay, as BGen. Jacinto assumes responsibility for leading the division and sustaining its mandate across Northern and Central Luzon.
At the same time, the ceremony marked the culmination of MGen. Pasamonte’s military career and his tenure as Commander of the 7ID. It brought together former 7ID Commanders and Command Sergeants Major, Philippine Army Major Unit (PAMU) Commanders, and senior leaders from the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
The occasion was likewise attended by representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), along with local chief executives, media partners, financial institutions, private-sector stakeholders, and other distinguished guests.
Their presence underscored the strong network of institutional partnerships that supports the division’s mission and its continuing engagement with communities throughout its area of responsibility.
Representing Lieutenant General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander, Philippine Army, Major General Efren F. Morados, Vice Commander, Philippine Army, emphasized the importance of upholding the values of “Husay at Malasakit” in the performance of military service.
MGen. Morados stressed that these values call on soldiers to remain steadfast in their duties while demonstrating genuine concern for their fellow soldiers and the Filipino people.
For the Pamilyang Kaugnay, the occasion was more than a formal retirement ceremony. It was a tribute to a commander whose leadership was guided by the philosophy of “Pamilya at Malasakit,” emphasizing that mission accomplishment is strengthened by an organization that values its people.
In his farewell message, MGen. Pasamonte expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the 7ID for the privilege of serving alongside them.
“To the Pamilyang Kaugnay, thank you for giving me the chance and privilege to work with you. It has been an honor to serve with all of you. May God bless us all,” MGen. Pasamonte said.
As he closes nearly four decades of military service, MGen. Pasamonte leaves the Pamilyang Kaugnay a legacy anchored on leadership, dedication, and compassion.
Under BGen. Jacinto as Acting Commander, the 7ID will continue to build on its gains, strengthen established partnerships, and fulfill its mandate with professionalism, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to service.
The command changes, but the mission endures—and the Pamilyang Kaugnay remains steadfast in its duty to serve.
photos from 7ID
