Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA) Grandstand
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
22 March 2013
President Benigno S. Aquino III led the 116th Philippine Army anniversary celebration held at the Headquarters Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
In his message, the President mentioned several initiatives that the government is undertaking to modernize its equipment under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program. Among these are the acquisition of one dozen five-ton troop carrier trucks, newly acquired Night Fighting System, four light support watercrafts and 60 units of field ambulance. He also mentioned the AFP/PNP Housing Program that the government is pushing for to improve the living conditions of more than 24,000 armed forces personnel.
“Lahat po ng ito ay kongkretong kumakatawan sa ating batayang prinsipyo: Ang giting, sakripisyo, at kahandaan ninyong isubo ang sarili sa panganib ay dapat tumbasan ng karampatang kalinga at pagkilala mula sa estado,” he said.
The President also mentioned several notable accomplishments that the Philippine Army was able to deliver over the past year such as the 255 development projects which include 16 roads, 237 buildings, two power and telephone facilities, on top of the 260 medical and 1,000 dental missions they had undertaken.
“Sa harap ng pakikipagbayanihan ninyong ito, nakikita natin ang katotohanang hindi lamang armas ang magdadala ng seguridad sa ating mga komunidad: Ang tunay na estabilidad, na nagbubunsod ng pag-unlad, ay nanggagaling sa tiwala ng taumbayan,” he added.
President Aquino also led the awarding ceremony in recognizing the exemplary contributions of several army personnel and civilian stakeholders. He also gave recognition to the oldest living army veteran, retired Technical Sergeant Anquiliano Cabiles who is turning 113 years of age this year.
Joining the President were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Philippine Army Commanding General Noel Coballes and Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima.
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