By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday told the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers that the future of the country’s defense lies in their “capable and honorable” hands.
“Your graduation day today signifies the culmination of your determination, sacrifice, and hard work to overcome the challenges of becoming an officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Marcos said during the Major Services Officer Candidate Course Joint Graduation Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“This marks the beginning of your role to ensure the defense of our nation and the safety of all Filipinos.”
He said innovation, technical expertise, and leadership rooted in service would be the military officers’ “most powerful weapons” in the face of evolving threats and modern warfare.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transform the AFP into a “world-class force that is a source of national pride and national security.”
“This transformation begins with investing in our people: in their talents, the specialists, the leaders who will bridge the gap between tradition and innovation,” Marcos said.
He vowed to build an AFP that is “a beacon of strength, alliance, resilience, and technological excellence” as he acknowledged the military personnel’s vital role in creating a stronger, safer, and more prosperous New Philippines.
“We will modernize your equipment, enhance your training programs, ensure that you are equipped to face challenges not just of today but also of the future,” Marcos said.
The Officer Candidate Course is a one-year program that trains qualified civilians and enlisted personnel with a baccalaureate degree, preparing them to become 2nd Lieutenants and Ensigns in the AFP.
There are 609 graduates this year, consisting of 361 cadets from the Philippine Army’s Katarakian Class 61-2024, 173 cadets from the Philippine Air Force’s Sigmandigan Class 2024, and 75 cadets from the Philippine Navy’s Mangisalakan Class 42-2024.
During the program, Marcos conferred awards on the top four students from various officer candidate schools and handed over the diplomas to the class president of each class.
Tribute to fallen troops
Also on Friday, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Heroes Memorial at Camp Aguinaldo, part of the celebrations for AFP’s 89th founding anniversary on Dec. 21.
Brawner and other ranking AFP officials laid wreaths before the memorial, a symbol of the courage and valor of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. (with report from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)