General Hermogenes Cendaña Esperon Jr., AFP (Ret.)

GENERAL Hermogenes Cendaña Esperon Jr., AFP (Ret.) is a highly respected military leader and public servant who has devoted more than five decades of his life to serving our country.

General Esperon served as National Security Adviser from 2016 to 2022, while concurrently leading several key national bodies, including the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, and the National Intelligence Board.

Throughout his illustrious career, he held some of the most critical positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines — among them, Chief of Staff of the AFP, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and Group Commander of the Presidential Security Group. He also served as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and Secretary of the Presidential Management Staff.

Beyond government service, General Esperon continues to make an impact as Chairman of the Board of Philtrust Bank and as a consultant for various private sector initiatives. He is also an active Rotarian, having been part of several Rotary Clubs.

A proud graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1974, General Esperon has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Order of Lakandula Grand Cross, the Presidential Medal of Merit, and international honors from Malaysia and Indonesia.