Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the 129th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary Celebration

Thank you to our National Defense secretary, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

[Please be seated.]

The Special Assistant to the President, Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo; the other Cabinet members who are here today; the Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces of [the] Philippines, General Romeo Brawner and the major service commanders; Taguig City mayor, Mayor Lani Cayetano; Philippine Army Commanding General Antonio Nafarrete; officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of the Philippine Army; my fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant day to you all!

Today, we once again commemorate the Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army, the 129thAnniversary.

I stand with deep respect for the brave women and men who have dedicated their lives in service to our nation.

For over a century, the Philippine Army has stood as a pillar of strength—guiding our country towards peace, security, and shared progress.

Through every challenge, you have embodied the strength and courage that inspire our people to move forward with confidence and purpose.

As you continue to advance the capabilities of the Armed Forces, a clear task lies before us.

The Philippine Army must continue to build on the significant gains that we have achieved in internal security and work with law enforcement agencies to address emerging threats.

The demands of our time call for a force that is agile, effective, and prepared to safeguard our nation across new and evolving domains—from our maritime frontiers to the digital space.

To meet this challenge, this Administration remains steadfast in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, while advancing meaningful peace-building initiatives at the grassroots. These are anchored in dialogue, trust, and a shared vision of inclusive progress.

At present, the DND and the AFP are monitoring developments on the ground to ensure that we sustain our progress in addressing internal security threats.

In parallel, the DND-AFP and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict continue to strengthen stability in communities, paving the way for a more effective and orderly transition.

Our commitment to national defense remains firm.

We are strengthening the Philippine Army’s role in external defense through the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. This concept enables the Army to perform External Security Operations while gradually transitioning its Internal Security Operations.

The Combined Arms Training Exercise “Katihan” is also conducted annually to test and to refine the Philippine Army’s Land Defense Concept. Through the integration of infantry, armor, and artillery, we enhance rapid deployment and reinforce maritime defense.

We also invest in capacity-building through interagency exercises among the AFP, the PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, and this we have been doing since 2025. These efforts deepen coordination and readiness across all our institutions.

At the community level, the NTF-ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program is designed to support development initiatives in barangays, contributing to efforts towards safer, more resilient communities as well as lasting peace.

Your achievements complement our efforts to serve our people better.

You earned recognition from the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s Report Card Survey Awards 2.0 and that is you are the only uniformed service to be honored last year.

Also, you have received the Bronze Award from the Civil Service Commission for advancing meritocracy and excellence in human resource management.

These milestones speak to your professionalism, integrity, and dedication to fair and effective leadership.

Beyond these recognitions, your partnership with government agencies continue to advance our Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program.

In collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, you participated in the development of the Control-Operated Battle-Ready Armament Project or C.O.B.R.A. This is a strong step towards innovation and the growth of our local defense industry.

To carry this momentum, I encourage the [Philippine] Army to exemplify integrity, discipline, professionalism as these are the bedrocks of your institution.

You have earned the trust of the Filipino people through your steadfast service. Every day offers an opportunity to deepen and uphold that trust.

Let this day renew your commitment to sharpening your capabilities, broadening your experience, and raising the standard of service.

A forward-looking Philippine Army stands firm in defense while remaining compassionate in the fulfillment of your duty.

Sa magigiting na kababaihan at kalalakihan ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas, maraming salamat sa inyong tapat at walang sawang paglilingkod sa kapwa at sa bansa.

To our awardees, my congratulations! Continue to uphold excellence and inspire your fellow soldiers.

Together, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas where communities thrive in safety, where opportunities are shared, and where every citizen stands secure in the promise of our nation.

Maraming salamat.

Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!

[applause]

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