Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Oath-taking Ceremony of the Newly Promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Graduates of Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institutions (FPCTI)
Good morning everyone.
National Defense [Undersecretary] Irineo Espino; the AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner and the major service commanders; the newly promoted Generals and Flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the graduates of Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institutions; my fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
We affirm once again, the continuity in leadership and purpose that keeps our Armed Forces focused, credible, and ready to serve the nation.
Before anything else, of course, I would like to congratulate the newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the lone commissioned graduate of the Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institution.
Your promotion reflects the Republic’s confidence in your judgment, in your command, and your ability to lead amidst pressure and uncertainty.
You begin this new year now with new stars and greater responsibilities resting upon your shoulders, yet your mission remains unchanged. It endures.
Your higher rank demands sharper judgment and steadier leadership, especially in an era of complex threats, rising geopolitical tensions, and heightened security of – security concerns for our country.
Leadership at this level is less about the number of operation that you may have completed, it is also about the standards that you set—standards that shape behavior, conduct, and decision-making across the entire Armed Forces.
Ang halaga ng isang tunay na pinuno ay nasusukat sa tamang asal at magandang halimbawa na kaniyang ipinapakita, hindi sa taas ng kaniyang ranggo.
This principle, when translated into action, will guide you to approach every challenge with integrity, with discipline, and with honor.
Last year, the AFP remained focused on readiness with purpose. We advanced our modernization efforts that support both defense and humanitarian missions.
On the local front, you have remained a dependable shield of our communities by protecting our seas, providing assistance during calamities, and sustaining peace-building effort.
Internationally, you represented your country with utmost professionalism through joint exercises and interoperability initiatives. These defense partnerships reinforced our commitments and credibility in the international community.
With the signing of the 2026 National Budget, I reiterate the government’s commitment to uphold the welfare of the women and men who protect our nation.
This includes the updated base pay schedule, increased subsistence allowance of our military and uniformed personnel.
More than your role as the protectors of our nation, you must also be among the faithful stewards who guard public resources.
Be among those who ensure that every peso translates into capability, preparedness, and integrity.
Of course, this event will not be complete without acknowledging the families of our officers. It’s your support, your sacrifice, and love that is their main source of strength.
Kayo ang tahimik na haligi at matibay na sandigan ng bawat kawal ng ating Sandatahang Lakas.Kaisa ninyo ako sa panalangin sa kanilang kaligtasan at kapakanan.
Once again, congratulations to the newly promoted officers and the graduate of the FCPTI.
Lead well, stand your ground, and keep the AFP worthy of its name.
Mabuhay ang Armed Forces of the Philippines!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!
Maraming salamat at magandang umaga sa inyong lahat.
[applause]
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