Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr.

GENERAL Gregorio Pio Punzalan Catapang Jr., AFP (Ret), CESE, CCLH was the 45th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a post he held from 18 July 2014 to 10 July 2015. He entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1977 and a member of PMA "Dimalupig" Class of 1981.

In 1983, he took up a Master's Degree in Political Science Studies at the University of the Philippines (UP) and pursued further military training locally and overseas. These include an Executive Course on National Security at the National Defense College of the Philippines in 2004; Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian Defense College in 2006; and attended a Symposium on National Security and Strategy at the National Defence University of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China in 2007.

He is a Career Executive Service Eligible and a licensed real estate broker. He also attended the 2019 National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition (July 9-11) in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA in preparation for the Conduct of the South East Asian (SEA) Games of 2019 in the Philippines where he was designated as the Director for Safety and Security.

His diligence and dedication led to the conferment of prestigious awards. He was recognized by the Armed Forces of Indonesia in 2015, and was given the Bintang Yudha Dharma Utama (Grand Meritorious Military Order) Award, the highest credit granted to foreign nationals for invaluable services rendered not only to the Tentara National Indonesia/National Defense Armed Forces but also to the Republic of Indonesia, in general.

Other awards include the Philippine Legion of Honor Medal (Degree of Chief Commander), Distinguished Conduct Star Medal, Gold Cross Medals, Distinguished Aviation Cross, Outstanding Achievement Medals, and Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medals. Honorary Flag Rank Command Badge (Marines and Air Force) and the AFP Civil Military Operations and Comptrollership Badges.

In recognition of his invaluable commitment and contribution to the success of the 30th South East Asian Games, he was awarded the certificate of appreciation by the Phil SEA Games Organizing Committee, SEA Games Federations, and the Philippine Sports Commission.

General Catapang (RET.) was born in Manila on 11 July 1959 to the late Atty. Gregorio L. Catapang Sr. and Lourdes T. Punzalan. His father was a former Director at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), while his mother was a former Chief Accountant at the Department of Finance (DOF).

Director General, Bureau of Corrections — October 21, 2022 up to present

Consultant, Bases Conversion and Development Authority — September 2016 to January 18, 2022

Director, Bases Conversion and Development Authority — October 2015 to September 2016

Director, Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation — October 2015 to September 2016