Long before stars adorned his shoulders, Maj. Gen. Edgar Lising Catu walked the dusty streets of Barangay Sto. Rosario in Mexico, Pampanga selling tinape (pan de sal) to help make ends meet.
Today, that same resilience has carried him to one of the most pivotal leadership roles in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Commanding General of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division and a newly minted Major General.
His journey—spanning over three decades since his graduation from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maringal” Class of 1995—is a masterclass in grit, grace, and an unyielding heart for public service.
A Foundation of Empathy
What sets General Catu apart in military circles is not merely the prestige of his rank or his formidable academic credentials, which include a PhD in Peace and Development and a Master’s degree from the University of Sydney. Rather, it is a deep-seated humanity forged in the crucible of early hardship.
Having known the sting of scarcity in his youth in Pampanga, Catu brought a profound sense of empathy to the frontlines of Mindanao—a region long scarred by conflict. Instead of relying solely on force of arms, he championed a distinct brand of leadership built on the belief that true security is rooted in community trust.
Building Bridges of Peace in Mindanao
During his assignments in the southern Philippines, Catu’s leadership translated into tangible, lasting peace. His tenure has been marked by a holistic approach to security:
Conflict Resolution: He successfully facilitated the peaceful settlement of dozens of localized community feuds (rido).
Reintegration: He actively supported programs aimed at the peaceful reintegration of former combatants back into mainstream society.
Development: He spearheaded initiatives to construct classrooms and foster open channels of dialogue within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Through these efforts, General Catu has demonstrated that military strength and genuine compassion are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary forces in nation-building.
The Pride of Kapampangan
As he takes the helm of the 6th Infantry Division, General Catu remains a shining embodiment of the indomitable Kapampangan spirit—resilient, fiercely dedicated, and profoundly compassionate.
From the humble bakeries of Pampanga to the halls of military leadership, his story serves as a powerful reminder of how far determination can take a person, and how deep roots of humility can shape a legacy of peace.
Your humble beginnings in Pampanga and your legacy of peacebuilding in Mindanao continue to inspire a grateful nation.
Maj. Gen. Edgar Lising Catu. Saludo kami kekayu!
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(Rewritten from a social media post of DFA Asec Elmer G. Cato)
The post From Dusty Streets to Stars: The inspiring journey of a new Kapampangan Army Major General first appeared on Pampanga News Now.