MANILA, Philippines — Maintaining peace and stability within the country is the priority of his administration, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on the 87th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday.
During the program at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Marcos said that his marching orders to the AFP have remained the same — remaining committed to peacekeeping, as it would allow the economy to prosper.
The Commander-in-Chief also assured the AFP that he understands the hardships experienced by the military in defending the country, which is why the modernization efforts would continue under his term.
“My marching guidance has always remained constant: we commit to the cause of peace. The security and stability of the country remains the priority. I call on you to continue performing your duties as you have had for many, many years and competently so, so that our country can achieve peace and security, and sustain economic prosperity,” Marcos said.
“Rest assured to all the AFP and all the uniformed services that this administration remains committed to the Modernization of the AFP,” he added.
The President said he recognizes the need to continuously supply the AFP’s materials to defend the country, especially in an ever-changing global defense landscape.
“I laud the Armed Forces for sustaining your existing defense and security engagements whilst exploring new areas for cooperation with your counterparts overseas. New security challenges do not recognize borders and we must continue to work with our neighbors, our allies, partners, and friends to address mutual security concerns,” he said.
“And aside from these partnerships, the Armed Forces needs to have in its arsenal the capabilities to effectively combat threats and to secure the country — all its more than 7,000 islands and all its features,” he explained.
Marcos emphasized that although the AFP has varied responsibilities, the organization’s needs go beyond modernization.
“We will be partners towards your vision of a strong, credible, world-class armed force that is a source of national pride and the source of national security,” he said.
“Hindi lingid sa aking kaalaman ang sakripisyo ng ating hukbo at ang panganib na kanilang hinaharap sa tawag ng tungkulin. Kaya naman bukod sa kagamitan, patuloy nating susuportahan ang kanilang pangangailangan,” he noted.
(I am aware of the sacrifices of our soldiers and the dangers they navigate and face due to the call of duty. That’s why, aside from providing equipment. We would continue to support their needs.)
Marcos was joined by Department of National Defense (DND) officials and AFP’s leaders — from DND officer-in-charge Senior Undersecretary Jun Faustino, AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, and other heads of the military branches under the AFP.
House of Representatives Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Philippine Military Ordinate Most Rev. Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio, House and Senate members, Cabinet officials, and other members of the diplomatic corps were also present during the event.
It was not the first time Marcos, as President of the country, attended the anniversary of the AFP.
Marcos also inspected the troops during the program and witnessed the exhibition of AFP’s units and equipment parade, including the FA-50 light fighter jets under the Philippine Air Force.