Lieutenant General Jimmy D. Larida PN(M), who rose from humble beginnings as the son of a janitor to become the 51st Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, officially retired from active military service during a ceremony held Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The retirement ceremony, presided over by General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. PA, Chief of Staff of the AFP, took place at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officers Country. The event honored Lt. Gen. Larida’s distinguished military career and celebrated his inspiring journey from poverty to the highest echelons of Philippine military leadership.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office, Lt. Gen. Larida’s life story exemplifies perseverance and dedication to duty. Born to a father who worked as a janitor and a mother who took on part-time laundry work, he built a military career marked by discipline, sacrifice, and honor over several decades of service.

Recognition and Honors

During the March 11 ceremony, Lt. Gen. Larida received multiple recognitions for his military service, including the Command Plaque, Plaque of Honorable Service, and Framed Medals. The presentation of these honors reflected his contributions to the Philippine military throughout his career in the Marine Corps.

Following the awards ceremony, Lt. Gen. Larida took his oath as a reservist during the Oathtaking and Incorporation to the Reserve Force. This transition signifies his continued commitment to serve the Filipino people beyond his active military duty, maintaining his connection to the armed forces in a reserve capacity.

The ceremony brought together military officials, colleagues, and family members who witnessed this significant milestone in Lt. Gen. Larida’s life. The gathering at Camp Aguinaldo served as both a farewell to his active service and a recognition of his decades-long contribution to national security.

Leadership Legacy and Marine Values

In his message during the ceremony, Gen. Brawner paid tribute to Lt. Gen. Larida’s leadership capabilities and lasting impact on the military institution. “As the Vice Chief of Staff of the AFP, he carried a role that is both demanding and indispensable. Under his leadership, the Office of the VCSAFP continued to perform its mandate with efficiency,” Gen. Brawner stated.

The AFP Chief of Staff emphasized that beyond positions and responsibilities, Lt. Gen. Larida’s true legacy lies in his character as a Marine leader. Throughout his decades in uniform, he consistently exemplified the Marine ethos of “Karangalan, Katungkulan, Kabayanihan” (Honor, Duty, Heroism), the foundational values that guide Philippine Marine Corps personnel.

Gen. Brawner noted that Lt. Gen. Larida demonstrated operational excellence and leadership qualities that earned him the trust and respect of fellow service members. His ability to inspire confidence among subordinates and peers alike became a hallmark of his military service, contributing to the overall effectiveness of AFP operations.

Career Achievements and Service Record

As the 51st Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. Gen. Larida held one of the most senior positions in the military hierarchy. The Vice Chief of Staff serves as the second-highest ranking officer in the AFP, responsible for assisting the Chief of Staff in overseeing all military operations, planning, and administration.

Throughout his tenure, Lt. Gen. Larida oversaw various critical functions within the AFP, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and coordination between different service branches. His leadership contributed to maintaining the operational readiness of the armed forces during his time in the position.

The Marine officer’s rise through the ranks serves as an inspiration to current and future military personnel, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His journey demonstrates that dedication, hard work, and commitment to service can overcome socioeconomic barriers in military careers.

Institutional Impact and Gratitude

Gen. Brawner expressed the institution’s deep appreciation for Lt. Gen. Larida’s service, stating that the nation is safer and the AFP is stronger because of leaders who devoted their lives to serving the Filipino people. This acknowledgment reflects the broader impact of his military service on national security and institutional development.

The AFP leadership recognized that Lt. Gen. Larida’s contributions extended beyond his individual achievements to include his role in mentoring younger officers and strengthening military traditions. His commitment to the Marine Corps values and professional military education helped shape the next generation of military leaders.

The retirement ceremony also highlighted the importance of recognizing military service members who have dedicated their careers to national defense. Such ceremonies serve to honor individual contributions while reinforcing the values and traditions that define the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Transition to Reserve Status

Lt. Gen. Larida’s incorporation into the Reserve Force ensures his continued availability to serve the nation if needed. Reserve officers maintain their military training and can be called upon during national emergencies or when their expertise is required for specific missions.

This transition allows experienced military leaders to remain connected to the armed forces while pursuing civilian careers or retirement. The reserve system provides the AFP with access to seasoned officers whose knowledge and experience can benefit ongoing operations and training programs.

The ceremony concluded Lt. Gen. Larida’s active military service while opening a new chapter in his relationship with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His story continues to serve as a testament to the opportunities available within the military for those willing to serve with dedication and honor.

Photo credit: SSg Ray Ambay PA/PAOAFP