ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday reaffirmed the military’s commitment to national defense, peace, and service to the people as the AFP marked its 90th founding anniversary.
Speaking at the anniversary rites, Brawner said the celebration, with the theme “AFP at 90: Matatag na Sandatahang Lakas, Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas,” honored nine decades of steadfast service, sacrifice, and loyalty to the Constitution and the Filipino people.
“We commemorate not just our institution, but also the heart of the AFP, its people.” Brawner said, adding that the anniversary activities focused on troop welfare, stakeholder engagement, remembrance of fallen soldiers, and service to communities.
Brawner highlighted the AFP’s accomplishments in 2025, citing intensified internal security operations that sustained pressure on threat groups, supported peace efforts, and safeguarded communities nationwide.
On external defense, he said the AFP strengthened its territorial defense posture through Campaign Plan Tatag Kapuluan, underscoring the military’s resolve to protect the country’s sovereignty and national interests.
The AFP chief also cited challenges in the information and cyber domains, saying they have launched the AFP Communication Plan “Mulat” to enhance maritime domain awareness, strengthen national consciousness, and counter disinformation—particularly in relation to the West Philippine Sea.
“Ating karagatan, ating karapatan, at ang ating kinabukasan (Our seas, our rights, our future,)” Brawner said, stressing that the AFP continues to uphold a rules-based international order through maritime patrols, joint exercises, and engagements with like-minded nations.
Brawner said progress in the AFP modernization program and activation of specialized commands, as well as the strengthening of intelligence, cyber, sustainment, and joint capabilities, were geared at building a more agile and multi-domain ready force.
He also emphasized the role of reservists as force multipliers, describing national defense as a “whole-of-nation” effort.
Beyond security operations, Brawner lauded the AFP’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions, citing recent responses to earthquakes and typhoons where military teams conducted search, rescue, and retrieval operations that saved lives and aided affected communities.
“As the AFP turns 90, we chose solemnity over spectacle,” he said, adding that the military stands in solidarity with Filipinos aspiring for a brighter future.
Brawner thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Commander-in-Chief, for his leadership and for approving the increase in base pay for military and uniformed personnel. He also expressed gratitude to the Filipino people for their continued trust in the armed forces.
The AFP was organized during the American Commonwealth era through the National Defense Act of 1935.
