Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
26 July 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III asserted once again his position towards a wider and extensive modernization plan that will strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the 24th National Annual Convention of the School for Reserve Commission and AFP Officer Candidate School Alumni Association, Inc. in Camp Aguinaldo.

“Sa mga mayroon pa ring agam-agam, hayaan ninyong idiin ko: Patuloy nating patitibayin sa tapat at makatuwirang paraan ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas, at ako mismo ang sisigurong matutupad ito sa lalong madaling panahon,” he said.

The President said that he had increased AFP’s modernization budget to P27.62 billion, exceeding the previous administration’s allotment of P26.27 billion.

He added that he had signed the Revised AFP Modernization Program in December where there is an allotted P75 billion for the first five years of the program. This will ensure its implementation for the next 15 years.

“Kayong mga kawal, kayong mga sundalo, kayong mga bayaning Pilipino: Kayo ang mukha ng transpormasyon; ipinagmamalaki ko kayo,” he said in closing.

President Aquino also witnessed the awarding ceremony of outstanding graduates from different service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

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