VADM GIOVANNI CARLO J BACORDO AFP is the 38th Field Officer In Command (FOIC), Philippine Navy (PN), sworn in on 03-February-2020 by President Rodrigo R Duterte. The CON has operational control and is responsible for overall operations of the Navy, including the Marine Corps, and the Philippine Coast Guard (in wartime), and directly reports to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
As the new FOIC, VADM Bacordo will lead the drafting of a new Sail Plan as the Navy sets about acquiring new warships and other assets as part of the AFP Modernization Program. The Navy will be the focus of the AFP‘s upgrades in the next several years as the Philippines faces surmounting challenges of securing its maritime borders from extremists entering the south through the Sulu Sea, and Chinese vessels occupying the West Philippine Sea.
VADM Bacordo outlined his plans to modernize the Philippine Navy, saying how some new equipment given to the Navy just a few years ago are now unusable; port facilities in all naval bases and stations are unable to accommodate strategic vessels; and vessels are docked in commercial ports instead. “In view of these observations, I will implement programs that will ensure these new defense capabilities will remain capable through time,” and “doing so would continue to make the Navy strong and credible.” Bacordo pursued three priority programs: (1) a sustainment suite for new platforms, weapons and sensors; (2) strict implementation of specialization for officers; and (3) modernizing the mindset of sailors and marines. “Without a modern mindset, the modern assets of the Navy will go to waste,” he said.
Bacordo was promoted to Vice Admiral in April, 2020 for excellence in planning, programming, and prompt repair requirements of PN assets, weapons, and electronic and communications systems. As Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command in 2019, his leadership strength was proven. He also served as the Commander, Philippine Fleet where he acquired various surface and naval air warfare mission critical equipment while laying the groundwork for phasing-out the legacy ships. He ensured the Philippine Fleet would be able to provide required mission-ready surface, air, and special operations through a more systematic Deploy, Sustain, Repair and Train Cycle in developing and sustaining the major Naval assets.
He assumed key positions such as Commander of Joint Task Force Kingfisher and the Naval Forces Southern Luzon of the AFP Southern Luzon Command where he led the unit in promptly responding to disaster-stricken communities in Bicol and Quezon provinces; Commander, Naval Task Force ZAMBASULTA; and Commander, Naval Task Force 61, AFP Western Mindanao Command in conducting maritime and internal security operations to ensure regional peace and progress. He served as Deputy Commander for Fleet Operations, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command in 2014.
As Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Operations, N3 in 2013-2014, he formulated policies geared towards improving resource administration, programming, and implementation as enabling factors in transforming the Navy into a modern and responsive naval force. He ensured the rationalized deployment of PN surface, air and marine units to the operational areas particularly during the Sabah Crisis, Ayungin and Scarborough Shoal Crisis, MV St Thomas Aquinas sinking, Zamboanga Siege, Typhoon Yolanda, and the transport of MNLF detainees to Manila.
As Commander, Naval Task Force 41, AFP Western Command in 2011, he endeavored to institute strategic sovereignty patrol in the West Philippine Sea, and the systematic rotation and re-provisioning of the Navy men and women protecting the Philippine-occupied islands and islets in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). As the first Director of the Center for Naval Leadership and Excellence, he spearheaded the crafting of the Navy’s Strategic Sail Plan 2020 in November 2006. There he demonstrated exceptional knowledge and expertise on the different aspects of naval operations.
Upon graduation from PMA, he completed his tour of duties as Commanding Officer of four PN ships – BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-11), BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19), BRP Rafael Pargas (PC-379) and BRP Juan Magluyan (PC-392) that earned him numerous recognition and awards from various stakeholders. VADM Bacordo is a multi-awarded Naval officer having been the recipient of Distinguished Service Stars, Silver Wing Medals, Distinguished Navy Cross, Bronze Cross Medals, Military Merit Medals, Military Commendation Medals, Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medals, Luzon-Visaysas-Mindanao Campaign Medals, Chief of Navy Command Badge, Fleet Command Badge, Surface Warfare Badge, Combat Commander Badge, Naval War College Badge, among many other medals and badges.
He earned a Masters of Management in Defense Studies and completed the Australian Command and Staff Course at the Australian Defence College in Canberra; Masters of Science in Economics in De La Salle University, Manila; completed the Civil Military Approaches to Maritime Security Course at USN Postgraduate School in Monterey, California; and took courses at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Hinirang” Class of 1987.
VADM Bacordo was born and raised in La Paz, Iloilo City. He is happily married to the former Ms Rachel Cruz and blessed with five beautiful children: Charles Niccolo, Giovanni Carlo Jr., Sophia Louise, Stephanie Angela, and Giana Danielle.
Contributors: Vicky Viray Mendoza and Capt Juario C Marayag