By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama, AFP (Ret.), member of the CPU Board of Trustees is one of this year’s Ten Outstanding Ilonggos of Iloilo City.
Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama, AFP (Ret.), a distinguished Centralian alumnus, has been named one of the 2024 Ten Outstanding Ilonggos of Iloilo City, as announced by the Iloilo City Government Facebook page on August 20, 2024.
The recognition, themed “RISE, Iloilo City: Remarkable Ilonggos Sustaining Excellence at 87,” celebrates Iloilo City’s Charter Anniversary by honoring individuals who have excelled in various fields, impacted the community, and contributed significantly to the city’s progress. The award ceremony will take place during the Mayor’s Dinner on August 25, 2024, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.
Born and raised in Iloilo, Pama is a proud alumnus of Central Philippine University, where he embodied the values of perseverance and excellence during his years as a Centralian. His journey from a graduate of CPU High School, batch 1971, to his current role as a member of the CPU Board of Trustees is a testament to his hard work and commitment to making a difference in the community.
Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama, AFP (Ret.) is renowned for his unwavering dedication to public service. He served in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)—Philippine Navy Command and Naval Operations—from 1979 to 2012. During his service, he played a pivotal role during the formulation of the United Nations’ Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction and led negotiations for the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation), resulting in the APEC Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction, which was adopted in Iloilo City.
What sets Pama apart is not only his professional success but also his visionary approach to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. He served as the 32nd Flag Naval Officer-in-Command, Naval Inspector General, and Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM). Additionally, he was also the Commander of the AFP Join Task Force Trilium, which led the AFP-PNP Task Force on anti-terrorism and anti-kidnapping for ransom (KFR), against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other terrorist organizations.
Pama was also part of the National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) from 2013 to 2014 as Undersecretary and Executive Director. He later became the Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in 2016. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including the Bintang Jalasema Utama Award from the Republic of Indonesia and the Navy Guardian Award from the Royal Thai Navy.
Indeed, Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama, AFP (Ret.), stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work, vision, and an enduring commitment to excellence.