A Passinhon’s naval excellence
The characteristic of genuine heroism is its persistency. All men have wandering impulses, fits and starts of generosity. But when you have resolved to be great, abide by yourself, and do not try to reconcile yourself with the world. The heroic cannot be common, nor the common heroic. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Rear Admiral Alexander Pama.
Without hesitation, he’s the best father, husband, and son. But more than that, he’s a decent government servant, a brilliant soldier, and a respectable leader.
A good number of adjectives could be tied to the name Alexander Patiño Pama but for most Ilonggos, he’s simply the pride of Passi City.
Pama, or more known in the Philippine military circle as Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, is the first Passinhon to get a two-star rank.
A member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Matapat Class of 1979, he has established a distinguished naval career. In fact, he is now the commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao and the concurrent commander of Joint Task Force “Trillium.”
His significant achievements in the service have been formally recognized by his promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, the first in PMA Class 1979 to be promoted to such rank.
As such, it comes as no surprise that Pama received numerous military medals, ribbons, and honors. To name a few, he was decorated with the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer).
For four times, he was also conferred with Distinguished Service Star and twice with Distinguished Navy Cross.
He also received an Outstanding Achievement Medal; The Silver Wing Medal; numerous military and campaign medals; the Senior Command-at-Sea Badge; and the Marine Command Badge.
His significant military assignments include being the commanding officer of various Philippine Navy vessels, the latest of which was presidential yatch ”BRP Ang Pangulo” and Naval Task Force “Stingray.”
Rear Admiral Pama also held numerous staff positions in the headquarters Philippine Navy, AFP General Headquarters, and the Department of National Defense.
In the course of his naval career, Alex underwent and excelled in various military and civilian education and training courses.
These include the Naval Command and Staff Course in 199;, Naval Command and General Staff Course in 1999; Naval Command Staff Course in US Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, USA; Masters in Business Administration candidate at the Ateneo de Manila University; course in National Security from the Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel, Germany; Strategic Intelligence Course from the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C., USA; and Psychological Operations Course in the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School, Ft. Bragg, N.C., USA.
Honoring Pama
Very recently, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division honoured Rear Admiral during his command visit at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
No less than 3ID commanding general Major Gen. Vicente Porto saw it fitting to invite Alex to inspire the men and women of 3ID.
The overwhelmed Passinhon general, in return, thanked the Philippine Army in the area for keeping Panay Island safe.
“I’m confident that you would continue your good work of keeping Western Visayas safe. Knowing that my homefront is safe, I know I’m entrusting my family’s security in good hands. At least, I could focus on working for the security of Mindanao, especially in Jolo and Basilan,” he enthused 3ID soldiers.
A true-blue Passinhon
The second son of the six siblings, Pama is born to Artemio Pama and Alice Patiño. He spent his childhood days in Passi City and Zamboanga City.
He graduated with honors when he graduated at Passi Elementary School.
He had high school education at Passi High School and went on to Central Philippine University High School.
He married Carlette Aquino of La Paz, Iloilo City and has two teenaged sons – Gorby and Archie.
Alex might be an unsung hero to a lot of Ilonggos. But that could not dampen his spirit. After all, ”True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others, at whatever cost.”