Former AFP commander Bicol’s new OCD director

By Connie Destura LEGAZPI CITY ---- The former commanding general of Philippine Army in Albay assured Bicolanos that he would do his best in serving the region as the newly appointed regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for Bicol. During last week’s change of command, Claudio Yucot formally replaced OIC for Bicol Eugene Cabrera. Cabrerawas of OCD of Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Region before remporarily serving Bicol for two months. In his message, Yucot said: “This is the last quarter of the year, and this is the time our “visitors” will be coming---we still have much to do, starting today I will hit the ground running to make sure what are expected to me shall be done. “Wala akong ibang maipangako sa inyo kung hindi ang aking hard work, commitment at dedication to the duty” (I cannot promise anything but my hard work, commitment and dedication to my duty),” Yucot added. Yucot appointment was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on September 7, 2017. The new chief thanked the Bicolano for being good to him even though he’s not from Bicol. “I have reached the peak of my career here; I’ve earned my star rank during my stay here as the commanding officer of 901st Infantry Brigade” he said. Yucot was born in Bohol but now resides in Pili, Camarines Sur when he decided to settle his family in Bicol. This place is good for my family, this is payback time, I have to repay the goodness of the Bicolanos and my payment should be better--- that is, to serve better,” he said. Yucot also served as Director of Army Personnel Management Center of Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio in Metro Manila. He applied as OCD chief a month before his retirement in the military service since he still wants to serve the country. Asked why he chose OCD, Yucot replied: “I believe the OCD is the best employment for me after retirement; my knowledge in the military way back when I was assigned here can be applied in the new field of my career. My harmonious relationship with the different agencies here in Bicol during my time as commanding officer is also an edge to be the new regional director of OCD, the retired officer added. Yucot is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sinagtala Class 1986.