finish engineering in five years,” Gen. Yano confided. He said when Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets visited Cebu, he was impressed by their discipline and performance during drills. So he took the exam and passed in 1972. “I wanted to pursue my ideals in a more positive and productive way as a cadet and soldier,” Yano said. As a PMA cadet, he excelled in athletics and extra-curricular activities. He even set two PMA athletic records, in high jump for 5 ft. 9 inches and 400meter low hurdles by 1.9 seconds. You can find the copy of this inside the museum for his triumph in sports. He later completed and topped in all his military trainings in the Philippines and abroad. He also finished the Infantry Officers Advance Course in the US Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, and Georgia, USA and landed in the Commandant’s List as an Honor Graduate. Service beyond the call of duty General Alexander B. Yano earned the highest position in the AFP hierarchy as the 38th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He succeeded Gen. Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. He is a great pride of Zamboanga del Norte, the province where he came from, being the first general born and raised in Mindanao. “I was the 49th commanding general of the Phil. Army, 38th chief of staff, AFP 1st and only Mindanaoan to become 6
chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) and a four star general,” he answered when asked about his career in the military. He became Task Force Zamboanga Chief and an overall ground tactical commander during the 2001 Cabatangan crisis that led to the release of over a hundred civilian hostages from over 300 MNLF Breakaway Group elements. This accomplishment gained him the monicker “Liberator of Cabatangan” from the late Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat. Facing a new challenge He had his early retirement on May 1, 2009 succeeded by Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado as the chief of staff. Former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo appointed him as ambassador to Brunei Darussalam. At present, he is living as an ordinary citizen but with extraordinary service to Filipinos. He had written and published his book entitled Onay: A personal journey. “Strive hard through your own merit, talents, hardwork and sacrifice. Endeavor for excellence in everything you do,” he answered when asked for a formula for success. Truly, he is a man with competent leadership, dedication to duty, and high level of professionalism bringing prestige, honor and inspiration to Filipinos especially the youth. Monday, May 6, 2013