Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
December 4, 2024

“This Administration will remain your steadfast partner in strengthening our institutions and upholding the rule of law, so we can build a Bagong Pilipinas that is stronger, that is more secure, more equitable for all,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remarked during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Malacañan Palace.

In his speech, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the pivotal role of the AFP in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety and security of the Filipino people.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been the bedrock of our sovereignty — a vital force that protects our land, our people and our freedoms,” said the Commander-in-Chief.

He highlighted the AFP’s significant achievements this year, including the establishment of the Combined Coordination Center (CCC) in partnership with the United States (US) Indo-Pacific Command.

President Marcos Jr. also commended the successful conclusion of the eighth iteration of the AFP Joint Exercise ‘DAGIT-PA’ or ‘Dagat-Langit-Lupa,’ which refined the military’s tactics and operational readiness under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

Beyond military operations, the AFP’s swift humanitarian responses during Severe Tropical Storms Kristine and Nika, as well as Super Typhoons Leon and Pepito, were recognized as a testament to the force’s compassion and dedication to the Filipino people.

“Mabigat man ang inyong sinumpaang tungkulin; marami mang hamon ang kailangang harapin; makakaasa kayong ang buong bansa ay kasama ninyo — nagdarasal para sa inyong kaligtasan, sumusuporta sa inyong mga hakbang at umaasang maglilingkod kayo nang may katapatan sa ating bayan,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his message.

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