Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Major Services Officer Candidate Course Joint Graduation Ceremony CY 2025

Thank you to the National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. [Please take your seats.]

The AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner; the major service commanders here present; officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; the graduating cadets of the Major Services Officer Candidate Course Class 2025; also very important to the success of this day, the proud parents and loved ones of our graduates to the Officer Candidate Course; fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Good morning.

Congratulations to the graduates of the Philippine Army Class “Bumannawag,” the Philippine Navy Class “Sagmaraya,” and the Philippine Air Force Class “Kahimdaliyan,” on this very well-deserved achievement.

Today marks a new chapter in your lives as officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

After months of training, discipline, and sacrifice, you now assume the responsibility of defending our country and serving our people.

Before anything else, let us thank those who have made this day possible—your families who stood by you through your toughest days, your instructors and mentors who guided you with patience and with purpose.

Without them, this day would not have come.

To the awardees, congratulations. Your achievements will inspire others to aim [even] higher. Remember that success in the AFP is measured not by medals alone, but by how well you serve your fellow citizens.

Alam kong mabigat ang panahon ngayon.

The world is changing fast. These changes can create new risks for our country.

As such, we must continue to defend our rights in the West Philippine Sea, where our fishermen and our soldiers stand their ground amidst growing challenges. We will stay vigilant against any attempt to weaken our sovereignty or test our resolve.

This is why your training will matter even more. You are now part of a new generation of soldiers who must think fast, act smart, [and] work closely with others, whether within our ranks or with partners abroad.

More than this, the AFP that you are part of now must always rise above politics. Your loyalty must not be [to] any individual or any faction, but only to the Republic.

The time and effort that you have spent in this course has taught you that by becoming full-fledged officers, your integrity is carried in your uniform and rank.

Sa panahon ngayon, kung kailan maraming Pilipino ang nangangailangan ng katapatan at katapangan sa serbisyo, kayo ang unang magiging halimbawa sa kanilang lahat.

As your Commander-in-Chief, I promise that this government remains committed to building a modern and professional Armed Force[s].

We continue to invest in radar systems, ships, aircraft, [and] facilities that will strengthen our deterrence and improve disaster response.

We also deepen our partnerships with other countries, such as Japan, the United States, [and] Australia, as well as other allies, to better protect our shared peace and our stability.

Ladies and gentlemen, graduates, wherever you may be assigned—on land, at sea, in the air—remember that your mission will go beyond completing missions.

Ultimately, it will be about maintaining peace and building a nation.

There will come a time when you will rescue families during floods and earthquakes, secure elections, [and] support government programs that bring service to the most far-flung areas of our country.

There will be moments when your integrity will be tested. Corruption and dishonesty can manifest in many forms.

Kaya piliin niyo lagi ang tama. Piliin ninyo ang bayan. Piliin ninyo ang katapatan at ang kapayapaan.

As you take your oaths and wear your insignias, carry with you the pride of your families and the hope of the motherland.

Tandaan ninyo na ang inyong tagumpay ay tagumpay ng bawat Pilipino na umaasang ligtas, payapa, at maunlad ang ating bansa.

Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. [applause]

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