Saturday, March 10, 2007 His heart is for Mindanao By Ben Jason O. Tesiorna Reporter
He was born in what was once the outskirts of the national capital but spent most of his fruitful years in Mindanao and plans to retire here in the island that made him what he is now.
Lt. General Rodolfo Obaniana was born in Malabon, Metro Manila on 24 May 1952. He is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1974.
Immediately upon graduation, he was designated as platoon leader of 25IB, 3ID, PA on Feb. 15, 1974. After almost two decades of fighting it out and moving up, he became its battalion commander from December 7, 1992 to June 22, 1994.
After his tour of duty was over, he was posted at Southern Luzon Command, AFP as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, AC3. In 1996, he became the Chief of The Office of Strategic and Special Study, Philippine Army. He was also designated as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations G3, Philippine Army.
In February 2003, he was designated as the Brigade Commander of 701st Brigade, 7th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Compostela Valley Province.
The 701st Brigade was later renamed as 404th Infantry Brigade under 4th Infantry Division on January 16, 2004 and on October 20, 2004, as 404th Brigade Commander, he was promoted to Brigadier General.
He was also designated as the Deputy AFP Inspector General (IG) on March 22, 2005; Acting AFP IG on September 9, 2005; then became the Commanding General of the Army Training and Doctrines Command (Tradoc) on November 7, 2005 where he earned his second star on December 17, 2005. He was designated as Commanding General, 6th Inf Div, PA on May 4, 2006.
Currently, he is the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP where he earned his third star on October 17, 2006.
Born a Manileño, lived a Mindanaoan. That's Obaniana or Oba to his peers. As commander of EastMinCom he wanted the people of Mindanao to benefit from the economic development within his area of responsibility.
This, he said, would be thru his command's effort in preserving peace and laying the foundation for development to come in.
"I have stayed long in the AFP and most of my assignments are here in Mindanao. I have fallen in love with the people and places and it is but appropriate that I leave my legacy to its people," Obaniana said.
As a soldier, Obaniana said peace is his topmost priority adding that his profession is the most rewarding profession he could ever think of and he would never consider any other job.
"I have been a soldier for most of my life. I believe that soldiery is the most rewarding job there is. It is a selfless service but everyday you are rewarded by just seeing people moving about normally, savoring the peace that we have so worked hard for," he said.
"Soldiers by nature are peace lovers because they are the first ones to be displaced from their families, suffer casualties and experience the hardships when war erupts. If there will be someone who desires peace the most, it will be the soldier," Obaniana added.
Obaniana was awarded with the Gold Cross Medal for exceptional gallantry in combat, four Distinguished Service Star Medals for excellence in the performance of positions of major responsibilities, nine Military Merit Medals and numerous ribbons and letters of commendation.
He is happily married to the former Irene Macalalad and blessed with four sons and three daughters. BOT
