Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the 68th Philippine Army (PA) Change of Command Ceremony

Thank you to National Defense Secretary, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. [Please be seated]

The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Antonio Nafarrete and the other major service commanders; Chief of the Philippine National Police, General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.; Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Donald M. Gumiran; officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; my fellow workers in government; ladies and gentlemen, good day to all.

Today, as we mark the 68th Philippine Army Change of Command, we honor a record of faithful service, recognize the continuity of duty, and entrust the Army’s next chapter to a new commander.

It is a moment to reflect on what has been accomplished and reaffirm the mission that binds every soldier to the Republic.

To General Antonio Nafarrete, our outgoing Commanding General of the Philippine Army and our newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines: thank you for your service to the Army. But as we all know, your mission now moves forward.

Under your leadership, the Philippine Army strengthened its readiness for internal and external security, advanced modernization and reserve force development, deepened cooperation with our partners, and expanded programs for troop welfare and mental health.

In your watch, you helped sharpen the Army’s operational edge while keeping it firmly grounded in its mandate to serve the Filipino people and to defend our country.

As you assume command of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines, I have confidence that the same discipline and sense of duty will continue to guide your leadership across services, across domains, and across our archipelago.

To the incoming Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Donald M. Gumiran: Your years of frontline command, from platoon leader to Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, together with your experience abroad and education at the US Army War College, have prepared you for this responsibility.

Continue the mission, preserve the Army’s strong sense of duty and keep faith with our soldiers.

You take command as the Army continues the transition towards external defense. Build a force capable of securing the land domain, supporting joint operations, and contributing fully to defending our sovereignty and asserting our territorial integrity.

Ensure that our forces can deploy quickly, sustain operations, and respond decisively wherever the mission requires.

Especially now, as many of our communities confront heavy monsoon rains and other calamities. Keep the Army ready to support search, rescue, and relief operations.

Be prepared to reach isolated communities, bring families to safety, deliver of food and other essential supplies.

When disaster strikes, our people must know that the Army is there to help them.

Lead the Army with discipline and integrity. Uphold the Constitution. Protect the trust of the Filipino people.

Ensure that every personnel and every unit in the Army remains disciplined and fully aligned with the defense priorities of our Republic.

And above all, continue to take care of our soldiers.

Equipment can be modernized. Tactics can be refined. But it is our people who carry the mission, who hold the line, and will give meaning to every gain we make as a force.

To the men and women of the Philippine Army, whether you are defending our territory, securing our communities, or responding to disasters, the nation continues to depends on your readiness and courage.

The Filipino people look to you in moments of danger and uncertainty. Carry out your mission with discipline, with restraint, and with compassion. Let your conduct preserve the people’s trust and let love of country give purpose to every sacrifice that you make.

Be assured that this Administration will continue to invest in your capabilities and champion initiatives that safeguard your welfare and that of your families.

We will give you the tools to do the job, the support to do it well, and the confidence that the nation stands behind you.

Sa lahat ng bumubuo ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas, maraming salamat sa inyong tapang, malasakit, at sakripisyo.

Marami sa inyo ang naglilingkod nang malayo sa mahal sa buhay, humaharap sa panganib, at tumutulong sa ating mga kababayan tuwing may sakuna. Ang inyong tapat na serbisyo ay kinikilala at buong puso naming pinapasalamatan.

To both General Nafarrete and Lieutenant General Gumiran, once again congratulations to you both.

Continue to serve our flag, to serve our people, and to serve our sovereign Republic.

Maraming salamat.

Mabuhay ang Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas.

Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas. [applause]

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