ANNUAL TRADITION. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hosts the annual traditional dinner for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Council of Sergeants Major at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Monday (Oct. 23, 2023). During the event, Marcos vowed that the government will continue undertaking initiatives to make the AFP a “world-class force.” (Screenshot from Radio Television Malacañang)
MANILA - The government will continue undertaking initiatives to make the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) a “world-class force,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday evening.
Marcos gave the assurance, in a speech during the traditional dinner he hosted for the AFP Council of Sergeants Major at Malacañan Palace in Manila.
“Rest assured that we will remain steadfast in transforming and modernizing the AFP into a world-class force that is respected by its counterparts and is a source of national pride,” Marcos said.
“So, let me likewise assure you that we will continue to implement programs and policies that will promote your welfare, and not only those who are in active service but those whose families I consider also to be in active service,” he added.
Marcos urged the AFP personnel to keep up the good work, assuring them that his administration, as well as the entire country, will always be on their side as they fulfill their duties.
This, as Marcos emphasized the enlisted personnel’s crucial role as “the backbone of the country's military force” by sustaining the success of defending and protecting the nation.
Marcos acknowledged that enlisted personnel comprise 90 percent of the troops and their specialized abilities support the daily operations and institutional activities of the AFP.
“You are vital to our sustained success of defending our state, our sovereignty, and our patrimony. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that we help each other and make sure that they all reach their fullest potential so that they become well-rounded soldiers,” he told the Council of Sergeants Major.
Marcos also recognized members of the AFP Council of Sergeants Major for staying attuned to the needs of the troops and uplifting their morale and welfare.
He lauded them for their efforts to ensure the “strong and unbreakable” bonds between the AFP officials and the troops that help steer the direction and performance of the enlisted personnel within their respective units.
“This is where you Sergeants Major come into the picture. As the most senior, most experienced, [and] most seasoned amongst our enlisted personnel, you help in implementing the plans and strategies that we are enforcing on the ground,” Marcos said.
“So, for all of these things that you do, I have nothing but utmost respect and admiration for all of you and for all that you have done for our country, for our people, for our Armed Forces. So, continue to show them your selfless and dedicated service to the nation that enabled you to reach the positions that you occupy today.”
Marcos likewise commended them for engaging their counterparts from other countries such as the United States to discuss important issues, including the proposal to create a mutually agreed Professional Development Program in support of the Philippines-United States Mutual Defense Treaty.
He said he would count on their support in ensuring that the AFP can adapt easily and prepare for any contingency, considering the changes in the country’s security environment.
He also expressed confidence that the sergeants major would continue to learn new skills, acquire more knowledge and enhance their competence to fully realize the AFP’s objectives.
The annual traditional dinner for the AFP Council of Sergeants Major was attended by around 180 guests from the AFP, the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military and Police Affairs (OPAMPA).
The event took place in conjunction with the celebration of the 27th Non-Commissioned Officers Week and the 54th Founding Anniversary of the Office of the AFP Sergeant Major. (PNA)
