WATCHING THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. Filipino soldiers are seen here on July 24, 2023 watching President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address from their base in Likas Island, Kalayaan town, West Philippine Sea. Western Command spokesperson, Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma, told reporters on Thursday (July 27) the troops received a much-needed morale boost when the President declared that his administration will continue to protect the country's sovereignty and territory. (Photo courtesy of Wescom)
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – Soldiers manning the furthest and most remote Philippine outpost in the West Philippine Sea had a much-welcome respite from their usual dreary schedule when they turned on their mobile devices to watch President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 24.
Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma at the military's Western Command (Wescom) on Thursday said troops stationed in the islands of Pag-asa, Rizal, Lawak, Kota, Panata, Likas, Patag, Parola, and even Ayungin Shoal aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, were all eager to hear their commander-in-chief’s report on developments in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Coloma, the Wescom spokesperson, told reporters that the troops received a much-needed morale boost when the President declared: "We will protect our sovereign rights and preserve our territorial integrity in defense of a rules-based international order."
"His speech was met with keen attention and profound interest by the military personnel present on the islands. The troops followed his every word, understanding the gravity of the matters discussed and how it could impact their lives," he said.
Coloma noted that the luxury to take a pause and watch the SONA was not a display of lacking vigilance, but proof that the Philippine government, through the Armed Forces of the Philippines, exercises firm control over its furthest islands, despite them being in contested waters.
"Despite their geographical isolation, the troops demonstrated their unwavering commitment to their duties and responsibilities. They temporarily put their routine tasks on hold to engage in the country's governance, proving their dedication to both their military roles and their roles as citizens of the nation," Coloma added.
He said civilian residents of Pag-asa Island also watched the SONA with Wescom personnel, and in doing so, felt closer to the rest of the country in a bond that “transcended distance and adversity.” (PNA)
