DND chief: After the Yolanda experience, we can do better

MANILA, Philippines – Instead of being “disheartened” over the criticisms on the government’s response to Supertyphoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan), the strongest typhoon to hit land, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin rather saw it as an inspiration to do better.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin addresses officers at the New Year’s Ball at Camp Aguinaldo. Photo from AFP Public Affairs Office

“It is sad to note that despite our efforts we were the subject of criticism and judgment by the very people we are sworn to secure and defend. That is why on occasion, it crosses our minds that this is a thankless job,” Gazmin told officers at the traditional New Year’s Call held at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.

Senior military officers are gathered in the annual military tradition.

“Far from being disheartened, however, we view this as a source of inspiration to give even more of ourselves. After all, we must realize that we and our critics simply want the best for people and our country,” Gazmin said.

The military faced successive challenges in 2013– the Zamboanga crisis, Bohol earthquake and Supertyphoon Yolanda. The government faced criticisms on the government’s supposed lapses on disaster preparations and response efforts.

“But despite being battered, shaken and beset by meager resources, we and our people are rising and moving on,” the defense chief also said.

Gazmin sees the year 2014 as an opportunity to use the gained experience “to better ourselves with even greater resolve.”

“I now issue this call to all of us here to energize our efforts in upgrading our capabilities, to learn from the lessons of the crises that we faced, ad to strengthen our character and professionalism in the service,” he said.

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