In his speech during the turnover ceremonies, Yano, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class 1976, said he will strictly impose stringent physical fitness standards for PA officers.

"I intend to strictly impose standards of physical fitness for our commanders, since I am of the strong belief that a healthy body equates to a sound mind," said Yano, known in military circles as a gym buff and a basketball enthusiast.

Yano replaced Lt. Gen. Romeo P. Tolentino as Army commanding general. Tolentino retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The changing of the guard held at the Army parade grounds in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila was presided by Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro.

Also present during the turnover was Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

Yano, a former commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), said his three-point program will include a responsive recruitment system for both officers and enlisted personnel.

He will also pursue a program to upgrade the capabilities of the Philippine Army to meet medium- and long-requirements of its role to defend the country against threats from the communist rebellion, secessionists and terrorists.

Yano said he will also address persistent issues of corruption in the command.

"We in the Army will vigorously support this campaign with effective resource and fund management at all levels of command," he said, adding that there will be transparency in all transactions involving Army units.

He also assured that the internal audit system will be strengthened for better accountability of funds and resources managers.

During the turnover rites, Teodoro described Yano as a "soldier’s soldier."

"He is known for fighting for what is right and what is constitutional, for upholding the chain of command and the rule of law and concern for the environment," the defense chief said.

Teodoro’s first order for Yano was to continue the military offensives against the Abu Sayyaf and other criminal elements in Basilan and Sulu.

Teodoro also echoed Yano’s policy of building a multi-faceted Army able to address humanitarian needs during calamities and disasters and combatting enemies of the state.

Yano has served as chairman of the GRP Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), as AFP spokesperson, and as president of the General Court Martial which heard the rebellion cases of Marine Major General Renato Miranda and Army Brigadier General Danilo Lim.

Yano is the 49th commanding general of the Philippine Army.