The Navy is where his heart is

A TRUE leader does not only command excellence but more importantly builds excellence for the welfare of the nation.

This is how Commodore Philip Libed Cacayan, leader of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), was lauded and commended by his colleagues in public service.

Born on May 24, 1958 in Naguilan in La Union, Cacayan holds Masters in Development Administration from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in San Fernando in La Union in 1996, and Masters of Management Studies in General Management from the University of New South Wales in Canberra in Australia in 2004.

Cacayan, who is also a lawyer and a lifetime member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, completed his Bachelor of Laws in Saint Louis University in Baguio City and passed bar examination in 1990. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981 with medals, awards, and commendations.

“For me, being in the service is already the greatest achievement in my life. Nahanap ko na ang gusto ko, ba't pa ako maghahanap ng iba Kailangan lang pangalagaan ko ano ang meron ako para hindi ito mawala," Cacayan said.

Born of a Navy soldier's father, he did not have to work to stay in school. Still, he said, his constant reminder to his children and the youth in general is to strive hard and never let difficulties prevent anyone from reaching his dreams.

"Ang kawalan sa buhay ay dapat hindi hadlang upang maabot ang pangarap mo, dahil ang totoo nasa tiyaga at pagsisikap yan ng bawat isa," Cacayan said.

After graduating from PMA, Cacayan joined the Philippine Navy, in which he has had both shipboard and shore assignments.

Cacayan was awarded twice as Command and Senior Command on Sea Badge in his tour of dutry at the Naval Task Force in Panacan in Davao City in 2008.

Cacayan served various positions with major responsibilities both in the Philippine Navy and General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In 1995, he was designated as the chief of the Plans and Policy Division of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel in AFP General Headquarters.

In 1998, Cacayan became the chief of the Discipline Law and Order Division in AFP General Headquarters.

In 2003, he was designated as chief of the Foreign Training Division at the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training in AFP General Headquarters.

Cacayan served as assistant chief of Naval Staff for Personnel N1 in Philippine Navy Headquarters from 2006-2007.

He became the commander of the Naval Task Force 71, Ready Force, Philippine Fleet, from 2007-2008, and designated as deputy commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao in 2008-2009 before he have been a commander on Assault Craft Force Philippine Fleet from 2009-2010.

In the course of his naval career, Cacayan underwent and excelled in various military and civilian education and training courses both in local and foreign command and attended various military schooling abroad, including Foreign Exchange Training Aboard the United States Navy Frigate Ship.

In November 5, 2010, he assumed as commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao at Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, where their command was twice named the Naval Forces of the Year for its Various Outstanding Accomplishments on the 113th and 114th Philippine Navy Anniversary on May 2011 and 2012.

With his 34 years in naval service, Cacayan has imbibed and live by the core values of courage, integrity, and loyalty.