Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
21 December 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the 77th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
In his speech, the President expressed his gratitude and congratulations to the AFP for its outstanding service to the country for seven decades. He highlighted some of its achievements like the tactical operations against anti-government entities and the peace process in Mindanao. Furthermore, he discussed the New AFP Modernization Act which intends to improve the AFP’s military equipments.
“Tapos na ang yugto kung saan puro ‘Air’ at walang ‘Force’ ang Hukbong Himpapawid: ihanda na ang tarmac para sa mga bagong eroplanong babagwis sa ating papawirin. Tapos na rin ang araw kung kailan mas pinapangambahan pa ng Hukbong Dagat ang tetanus mula sa mga kinakalawang na barko, kaysa sa mga banyagang umaangkin sa ating teritoryo; ihanda na ang mga daungan para sa mga moderno’t de-kalidad na barko ng Navy na magtatanggol sa ating mga baybayin. Panahon na rin para magretiro ang mga antigong trak ng Hukbong Katihan; hindi magtatagal, mas mabilis at mas makabagong mga tangke, trak at ambulansya ang inyong sasakyan, at mas de-kalibreng armas at force protection equipment ang gagamitin ninyo upang ilayo sa panganib ang mga Pilipino,” he said.
The President led the awarding of various awards to twelve distinguished military personnel and civilians. They are 2Lt. Ferdinand J. Divina (PN), Col. Glorioso V. Miranda (PA), 1Lt. Carlo P. Valdez (PAF), Cpl. Christopher C. Cabrito (PA), BGen. Alejandro H. Estomo (AFP), Col. Emmanuel Cacdac (PA), CAA Abdurasad H. Asmad, MSg. Fermin O. Rocio, Cadet Col. Iceal Averroes E. Estrella (1CL), Cadette Col. Jaimie Lou T. Sarmiento (1CL), Mrs. Aurora B. Ronquillo and Mr. Nelson G. Maligro.
AFP is celebrating its founding anniversary with the theme: “Bayanihan at Kahandaan: Tuwid na Daan Tungo sa Kapayapaan”. The highlight of the program is the presentation of a book titled “Kwento ng Kabayanihan” and twenty short films titled “Kwento ng Bayan” to President Aquino. Exhibitions and band presentations were done during the pre-program.
President Aquino was joined by Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff General Jessie Dellosa.
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