Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the 75th Marine Birthday Celebration

Thank you, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for your introduction.

[Please – please be seated.]

The National Defense Undersecretary Angelito De Leon; Philippine Navy Flag Officer and Command, Vice Admiral Jose Ambrosio Ezpeleta; officers and enlisted personnel of the Philippine Marine Corps led by Major General Vicente Mark Anthony Blanco [applause]; the 2025 Awardees of the 75th Anniversary of the Philippine Marine Corps; fellow workers in government; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen; good evening.

We gather here today to celebrate 75 years of valor, devotion, and the unyielding spirit of service that define the Philippine Marine Corps.

From a small volunteer contingent to today’s modern archipelagic coastal defense force, you have built a legacy of duty and conviction.

Through countless dawns and dusks, you have stood guard over our shores and our lands—defending, responding, and rebuilding when duty calls.

Marines with wet and sandy boots lifting a child to safety, carrying relief supplies, restoring hope where it is needed most. These are the scenes that remind us of how courage and compassion can move us in the service of our people.

We saw this in your swift disaster response operations in Palawan following the recent typhoon – Typhoon Tino.

To support these efforts, we have declared a state of national calamity, ensuring all government resources are mobilized for immediate relief and recovery of our people and our nation.

Yet, even as recovery continues, we are already being called to prepare. This time, for the approach of yet another typhoon, potentially stronger than the last.

Thus, we will once again rely on your readiness, your discipline, and your heart for service as we brace for the upcoming weather and the typhoons.

Help us secure our coasts, protect our people, rebuild our communities.

Magtulungan tayo na masiguro na ang buong lakas ng gobyerno ay kumikilos nang mabilis.

Tiyakin din natin ang agarang pagtugon at maagap na paghahanda.

Sa gitna ng bawat hamon, ang inyong lakas at determinasyon ang isa sa mga nagsisilbing haligi ng ating pagbangon.

Courage is your heartbeat. When others hesitate, you step forward. You are among the first to fight, you are the last to rest.

Dala ninyo ang diwa ng Karangalan, Katungkulan, at Kabayanihan—mga haliging hindi natitinag ng panahon.

Despite the danger that shadows your mission, you gallantly step forward, fully aware of the risks that you face, you never falter.

But bravery alone cannot meet the challenges of this modern world. A marine who answers the call must never face tomorrow with yesterday’s tools.

And therefore, under my watch, we will continue to provide you the means to match the mandate that you bear. [applause]

Be assured that the government is prioritizing the modernization of your combat capabilities, investing in establishing strategic bases, revitalizing our Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program, and strengthening maritime domain awareness.

Most importantly, we are committed to ensuring the upkeep of the morale and welfare of our troops, marine personnel, and your families.

Nais kong gamitin ang pagkakataong ito upang magpasalamat sa inyong mga asawa, mga anak, at magulang na patuloy na nagbibigay ng lakas at inspirasyon sa ating mga kawal.

Alam namin na lagi kayong nag-aalala sa kaligtasan ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay.

Ngunit sa kabila nito, patuloy pa rin ang inyong panalangin at pag-unawa sa kanilang tungkulin sa bayan.

Kaya naman sinisiguro ng inyong gobyerno na patuloy ang suporta, kalinga, serbisyong nararapat para sa bawat Marine at kanilang pamilya.

And of course, to every active Marine, every retiree, every civilian support who has been steadfast through peace and peril alike: You have the nation’s deepest gratitude.

Thank you for choosing this noble cause of service.

Know I always stand with you. You have my full trust and confidence.

As a proud member of the Marine Basic Officer Course Class of 01-79 who has marched and endured among you— I salute you with the respect of a comrade and the faith of a Commander-in-Chief.

Once again, happy 75th birthday, Philippine Marine Corps! [applause]

[Crowd: Uwwahh]

Uwwahh!

Mabuhay ang Hukbong Kawal Pandagat ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!

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