MODERNIZATION. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pins the gold cross award to 1st Lt. Felix Veronilla during the 126th Philippine Army (PA) founding anniversary celebration at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Wednesday (March 22, 2023). Marcos reiterated his commitment to continue the military's modernization to enhance the armed forces’ capabilities to deal with national security threats. (PNA Photo by REY BANIQUET)
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to continue the military's modernization to enhance armed forces’ capabilities to deal with national security threats.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, I am assuring you that we remain committed to modernizing the Armed Forces so no threat will be impossible to handle," Marcos said during the Philippine Army’s (PA) 126th founding anniversary in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
“We will continue to invest not only in modern equipment and material but also in your training, so you can keep abreast of concepts, doctrines and strategies that we now need in the modern battlefield,” he added.
Marcos said the country's army must be vigilant amid a more complex and unpredictable external security environment, especially the increasing geopolitical tension in the region, as well as the advancements in technology that will dictate the future of warfare.
“That is why the army must always be fully prepared and capable for any contingencies, especially considering you are the country’s last line of defense against any external security threat,” Marcos said. “Be vigilant against elements that will undermine our hard-earned peace, our hard-earned stability."
He also urged the Philippine Army to strengthen its ties with its counterparts overseas through sharing of information and learning from the best regional practices.
Marcos expressed confidence that the Philippine Army, with more than a century of experience, will be able to rise up to the task of adjusting its strategies amid the emerging threat to the nation’s territory.
Meanwhile, Marcos emphasized the need for a recalibration of the Armed Forces of The Philippines’ (AFP) military doctrine in dealing with internal security threats as the country’s half-a-century’s fight with communist insurgents is coming to an end.
He noted that the army must be the catalysts to the rebels’ surrender and disarmament, as well as peacemakers that will work under a whole-of-nation-approach.
“It is a critical task as it is only through achieving internal security that we will be able to foster development and address equally important security concerns. It now behooves upon you to ensure that these areas will not fall onto the hands of those who intend to sow fear, discontent, and terror,” Marcos said.
This year’s Philippine Army anniversary celebration carries the theme, “Army@126: Strong, United and Reliable.” The monthlong celebration of the PA’s Founding Anniversary is geared towards achieving a world-class, multi-mission ready and cross-domain capable Army in the service of the Filipino people.
Aside from viewing the static and kinetic displays of the Army’s land assets and equipment during operations, Marcos also led the presentation of awards to selected uniformed and civilian personnel of the Philippine Army. (PNA)
