President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered the newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to continue upholding honor, integrity, and innovation as they take on greater responsibilities in national defense.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony in Malacañang, President Marcos congratulated the 35 newly promoted AFP officers and nine graduates of Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institutions (FPCTI), emphasizing that their leadership comes at a crucial time for the country’s security and sovereignty.
“The courage, dedication, and patriotism of those who have taken the mantle of leadership in the Armed Forces deserve the highest recognition and admiration from our proud and grateful nation,” Mr. Marcos said.
The President underscored the AFP’s role in adapting to an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape, citing recent efforts to boost military cooperation with international allies.
“Last week, we successfully conducted the 7th iteration of the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the Defense Forces of Canada and of the United States,” he said.
“This demonstrates that we remain resolute in preserving our sovereignty by ensuring regional peace and international cooperation,” he added.
The president also challenged the new AFP leaders and FPCTI graduates to bring fresh perspectives that would strengthen national defense and enhance military partnerships.
“The world demands more from us now than before. We are expected to be innovative, agile, and to have foresight. But one demand has never changed: the courage to respond and adapt,” he said.
President Marcos reminded the AFP of its crucial role in safeguarding democracy, particularly in the upcoming 2025 national and local elections.
“In line with our shared mandate to protect the people and the State, the AFP reaffirmed its commitment during the Solidarity Pact Signing for the 2025 National and Local Elections,” he said.
“We are counting on the armed forces to ensure a peaceful, credible, and orderly electoral process that Filipinos expect from us. We cannot fail them,” he added.
The president ended his address by saluting the AFP’s dedication and sacrifices, including those made by their families.