Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the 128th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy
Thank you to our National Security Adviser Ed Oban Jr. [Please be seated.]
The Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Romeo Brawner Jr. and other service commanders; Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta; Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan; members of the Foreign Armed Forces Attachés; officers and personnel from the Philippine Navy; other distinguished guests; my fellow workers in government; ladies and gentlemen.
A good day to you all.
Today, we gather to celebrate 128 years of the Philippine Navy at a time when many of our fellow Filipinos are facing the aftermath of the strong earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao yesterday.
In these critical moments, we witness the enduring commitment of the Philippine Navy to protect and to serve the Filipino people.
Following the earthquake, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao immediately activated its disaster response mechanisms and placed its rescue team on heightened alert for emergency response and humanitarian assistance operations.
For over a century, the Philippine Navy has stood watch over our waters, defending our sovereignty and protecting our people. It continues to do so amidst evolving security challenges that require even greater vigilance.
Strengthening the Philippine Navy’s capabilities remains essential to protecting our interests in the West Philippine Sea in light of the broader realities of our time.
Rapid economic and political developments in the twenty-first century have reshaped global growth and placed the Indo-Pacific region at the geopolitical and economic center of gravity.
The seas around us are arenas of competition and of conflict.
Global instability, shifting alliances, and emerging threats demand that we maintain a resilient maritime defense posture.
In this environment, a credible Philippine Navy is indispensable to regional peace.
Thus, I have directed the Philippine Navy to further strengthen its capabilities.
The DND-AFP was also tasked to further expand and deepen partnerships, exchanges, and interactions with allies and friendly forces.
Through the modernization of the Navy, we are safeguarding our economic lifelines, protecting our people, and enhancing our ability to contribute to security and cooperation in our region.
This Administration likewise believes that our greatest asset is our people. We continue to conduct training courses to ensure that our sailors have the tools, the information, and protection that will help them carry out their missions effectively.
And today, we witnessed the fruit of our efforts to modernize this institution. It is my honor to lead the commissioning of the BRP Rajah Lakandula.
Named after Rajah Lakandula, one of the leaders of pre-colonial Manila, this vessel carries forward a legacy of courage, leadership, and devotion to country.
Truly, this is a pivotal step towards realizing the Navy’s vision of a modern and self-reliant force. This vessel enhances our capacity to safeguard our resources and assert our sovereignty.
To the crew of this ship, may you sail her with pride and let the world know that the Filipino spirit will never be intimidated.
The dedication and service of the men and women of the Philippine Navy mean that our communities can sleep peacefully at night. They mean that our fisherfolk can sail farther with confidence. It also means that the global community will see that our country is a credible and formidable anchor of peace and of international law.
So, I thank you for always keeping our flag flying high even above the roughest waters.
For your unwavering loyalty in the face of the storm, I say this: Bravo Zulu. Job well done to you all.
I also congratulate our exemplary awardees for going the extra nautical mile to serve our country.
May your example inspire others in your ranks to always put your country above all else, especially when the seas are turbulent.
Sa inyong pagbabantay sa ating karagatan, tangan ninyo hindi lamang ang watawat ng Pilipinas, kundi pati na rin ang tiwala at pag-asa ng sambayanang Pilipino.
As your Commander-in-Chief, I recognize the sacrifices that you and your families make in service of our nation.
Be assured that your government remains committed to supporting your welfare and ensuring that you are equipped to carry out your mission.
Once again, happy 128th anniversary to you all.
Together, let us continue to weather any crisis and chart a course towards a progressive and sovereign Bagong Pilipinas
Maraming salamat.
Mabuhay ang Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas.
Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas. [applause]
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