Recto thanks Año, Galvez for government service

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Thursday expressed gratitude to former secretaries Eduardo Año and Carlito Galvez Jr. for their long and distinguished service to the nation. 

Año, former National Security Adviser, and Galvez, former Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, both recently retired from public service citing personal reasons. 

Año is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983 and was Armed Forces chief from 2016 to 2017. He was also Interior Secretary during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Meanwhile, Galvez belongs to PMA Class 1985 and also served as AFP chief from April to December 2018.

''Across decades in both military and civilian roles, they went above and beyond the call of duty in keeping the peace, securing the state, and serving the Filipino people,'' Recto said in a statement.

Recto also welcomed the appointment of their replacements, NSA Eduardo Oban Jr. and OPAPRU Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, saying that they are ''worthy successors to that example and will, without doubt, deploy skills honed in long public service to achieve the goals of their new calling. '' 

''Both bring deep experience in government, sound judgment, and a firm grasp of the challenges we face—all of which will prove invaluable as they carry forward the work entrusted to them,'' Recto said.

Under their leadership, Recto said the nation can be assured that the work of safeguarding our people and securing our future will continue without interruption. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News