Ex-Army chief Rolando Bautista assumes DSWD post

MANILA, Philippines — Retired Army commander Rolando Joselito Bautista assumed office yesterday as head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) a week after his mandatory retirement age of 56 on Oct. 15.

Bautista, whose appointment was opposed by the DSWD workers’ union as well by other marginalized groups, called for unity among the DSWD’s workforce and management.

“United we stand, united we prevail,” Bautista said during the turnover and flag-raising ceremonies at the DSWD central office in Quezon City yesterday morning.

He received the DSWD flag from his predecessor, acting secretary Virginia Orogo.

Bautista said that unity and teamwork are crucial in providing efficient service to the people.

“There will be difficulties, but if we help one another and be united in our journey in facing the obstacles that will come our way in the department, I am certain the DSWD will succeed in improving the welfare of our countrymen,” he said.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sandiwa” Class of 1985, Bautista was commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division (ID) based in Zamboanga, which led government operations against the Maute terrorists during the Marawi siege.

Before leading the 1st ID, Bautista was chief of President Duterte’s Presidential Security Group (PSG).

Before assuming the PSG post, he was commander of the Joint Task Group in Basilan and of the Army’s 104th Brigade.