AFP TURNS 88. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the 88th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (Dec. 21, 2023). In his speech, the President urged the AFP to enhance its alliances and partnerships with foreign counterparts to boost its defense capabilities. (Screenshot from Radio Television Malacañang)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen its alliances and partnerships with foreign counterparts to boost its defense capabilities.
“As the arm of government tasked with upholding national security, the AFP must continue to improve its readiness to effectively prevent and to respond properly to the current and emerging threats,” Marcos said during the AFP’s 88th anniversary celebration at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“I likewise enjoin the AFP to enhance existing alliances and partnerships with your foreign counterparts. Let us continue to explore so that we may forge new partnerships based on common goals, common values, and at the same time, advancing the national interest,” he added.
Marcos assured the AFP of his administration’s continued support for initiatives that would help bolster the armed forces’ external defense capabilities.
He gave the assurance, as he acknowledged that in the past years, the Philippines has found itself “in the middle of geopolitical developments and tensions that could potentially cause regional insecurity or endanger people's lives and livelihoods.”
Marcos hailed the AFP for exemplifying “responsible and dignified” behavior, and resolving issues in accordance with international law despite the “many attempts of provocation” made against the country.
This, as he stressed that AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.’s stance to defend the Philippine territory is “a proud demonstration of Filipino courage against coercion and our firm resolve to protect preserve and uphold our territorial integrity.”
"As you continue to play a vital role in the government's various initiatives, it is my fervent hope that your institution will remain relentless in countering lawless elements that intend to sow fear and distrust amongst our people,” Marcos told the military.
“We shall continue to assert our rights in accordance with the Philippine constitution and international law,” he added.
Marcos also announced that there would be an increase in the lifetime monthly gratuity pay of the existing Medal of Valor awardees upon the recommendation of the Department of National Defense and the AFP.
He said the awardees deserve to enjoy a higher monthly incentive because they exhibited bravery and heroism.
"We are also going to adequately reward the existing Medal of Valor awardees the increase of their lifetime monthly gratuity for displaying bravery and heroism in defending our freedom. This will provide our heroes with a tangible and meaningful reward, highlighting our commitment to support and honor our war heroes,” Marcos said.
Focusing on the theme, ‘AFP@88: Rising over the Challenges in the Service of the Nation,’ this year’s celebration is aimed at showcasing the AFP’s progress towards becoming a world-class armed forces that is a source of national pride.
A series of activities is organized nationwide to commemorate the decades-long service of the AFP to the country.
Cutting-edge tech for AFP modernization
The AFP, meanwhile, said it would utilize cutting-edge technology in pursuing its modernization program.
"We shall also create the AFP Joint Special Operations Command, reorganize the AFP Presidential Security Command, and reestablish the AFP Counter-Intelligence Group, as well as pursue the AFP Modernization Program to leverage cutting-edge technologies," AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in his speech.
Brawner said this is important as the Philippines stands at a pivotal juncture where enhancing its military capabilities becomes not just an option but a strategic imperative.
He also said the military would continue to strengthen the reserve force, hand in hand with the regular force, as it sustains its territorial defense operations.
An AFP Cyber Command will also be activated to beef up its presence in the cyber realm.
"Towards attaining total victory against all threat groups, your AFP has worked in unity with various partners and stakeholders to attain significant headway on our campaign. Our victories are validated by the improved peace and order situation in former influenced areas as manifested in the declaration of the LGUs (local government units) as insurgency-free, which boosted tourism, investments, and productive interaction across the nation," Brawner said.
He said they have also beefed up their territorial defense operations by heightening their presence in the country's key maritime domains.
Brawner also noted that the AFP has intensified its maritime security operations as a response to the increasing challenges to our sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"Alongside this and in order to leave no one behind, we have also continuously contributed in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and peacekeeping missions abroad. As we celebrate the achievements of the past, let us turn our gaze towards the future, a future where the AFP goes beyond what is expected in meeting the challenges in these exciting times," he said.
House support
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said the House of Representatives is committed to pursuing President Marcos’ vision of a modern and well-equipped AFP that is capable of effectively asserting the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
"Our men and women in uniform are the steadfast guardians of our nation's security. We owe them our deepest gratitude and firm support," said Romualdez, who was among the officials who accompanied the President during the AFP anniversary celebration.
He said the House’s commitment is reflected in the newly passed PHP5.768-trillion national budget for next year, which contains funds to strengthen the AFP's capabilities, especially in safeguarding the country’s interests in the West Philippine Sea.
He noted that for next year, about PHP285.69 billion has been allocated to the defense sector, marking a significant increase compared to the PHP203.4 billion allocated in 2023.
He also pointed out that the House has strategically realigned PHP1.23 billion in confidential funds from civilian agencies to front-line agencies responsible for national security and the protection of the country's territorial rights in the WPS.
"The House aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a modern and well-equipped AFP, capable of effectively asserting our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights,” he said.
Romualdez further assured that the defense of the West Philippine Sea, spanning from Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales and Pangasinan in the north to Ayungin Shoal in Palawan in the south, is adequately funded.
"We are resolute in our goal to ensure a future where our fishermen can fish in peace, and our natural resources are managed sustainably for the Filipino people," he said.
The 2024 budget includes PHP1.5 billion for the expansion and development of the airport in Pag-asa Island, as well an additional PHP800 million for constructing a shelter port for fishermen and boats in Lawak, Palawan -- the island nearest to Ayungin Shoal, where Filipino soldiers man a rusting Navy vessel, grounded there since 1999 as a symbol of Philippine presence.
Romualdez said these funds would support the AFP’s modernization, including purchasing advanced military equipment, patrol boats, aircraft, and communication systems, thereby enhancing maritime and border patrol capabilities.
In terms of improving the welfare and compensation of AFP personnel, acknowledging their dedication and ensuring their morale, Romualdez mentioned that the House passed Bill 8969, the “Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Pension System Act."
The bill proposes a guaranteed 3 percent annual salary increase for MUP for the first 10 years after the law's enactment.
He said the proposed law aims to balance the provision of monthly pensions and other benefits to uniformed service personnel, ensuring sustainability while being equitable to them and the national government.
“Together, the House and the Marcos administration are committed to empowering the AFP, protecting our territorial integrity, and fostering a brighter future for all Filipinos,” Romualdez said. (with reports from Filane Mikee Cervantes/Zaldy De Layola/PNA)
