By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Piliin ninyo ang Bayan, piliin ninyo ang katapatan at kapayapaan.”
Reiterating his earlier call on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain loyal to the Constitution, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the 638 graduates who completed the one-year Major Services Officer Candidate Course to uphold professionalism and integrity in serving the country.
In his speech at the ceremony Monday, Marcos welcomed the newest batch of commissioned officers from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Kahimdaliyan Class 2025, the Philippine Navy (PN) Sagmaraya Class 2025, and the Philippine Army (PA) Bumannawag Class 2025.
“Your achievements will inspire others to aim ever higher. Remember that success in the AFP is measured not by medals alone, but by how well you serve your fellow citizens.”
The President reminded the cadets of their role in the ever-changing power dynamics involved in defending the West Philippine Sea, instructing them to continue upholding the country’s territorial claims and sovereignty, as well as protecting the fisherfolk that benefit from the vast marine resources in these hotly disputed territorial waters.
“Ladies and gentlemen, graduates, wherever you may be assigned—on land, at sea, in the air—remember that your mission will go beyond completing missions. Ultimately, it will be about maintaining peace and building a nation.”
President Marcos likewise reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards AFP’s modernization, which includes investments in radar systems, ships, and aircraft facilities to improve battlefield capabilities and disaster response.
This initiative is bolstered by deeper ties with countries such as Japan, Australia, the United States, and other allied nations with whom the Southeast Asian nation shares similar ideals and interests.
The Commander-in-Chief concluded his remarks by reminding the graduating classes of their duties beyond combat zones, which include humanitarian work and peacekeeping measures. (with report from Clay Pardilla | PTV News)
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