The Philippine Army celebrated its 126th Founding Anniversary anchored on the theme “Army@126: Strong, United, and Reliable” with President and Commander in Chief Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. gracing the ceremony at the Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on March 22, 2023.
“Through the years, the Philippine Army has shown patriotism and bravery that allowed our country to succeed and thrive in its pursuit of peace, stability, and of democracy. The entire nation is grateful for the many sacrifices our ground troops have made to ensure our internal security,” President Marcos said in his address, highlighting the role of Army soldiers as defenders of the land and of the Filipino people.
“The Army must always be fully prepared and capable for any contingency, especially considering that you are the country’s last line of defense against any external security threat. Be vigilant against elements that will undermine our hard-earned peace and our hard-earned stability,” President Marcos remarked.
The President was accompanied by Department of National Defense Officer-in-Charge Senior Undersecretary Carlito G. Galvez, National Security Adviser Sec. Eduardo B. Ano, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Andres C. Centino, and Commanding General, Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr.
Lt. Gen. Brawner, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the Philippine Army’s non-traditional roles in nation-building such as Emergency Response, Local Peace Engagement, Environmental Protection and Preservation, Socio-Economic Development, Reserve Force Development, and Food Security.
“Then as now, your Army continues to evolve, always in step with the demands of the times. From its humble beginnings as a revolutionary organization formed during the secret meetings of the Katipunan to the present-day agile, credible, and modern force provider to the unified commands of our Armed forces, we remain resolute in our dedication to secure the peace and protect our sovereignty,” Lt. Gen. Brawner remarked.
Photos by Pfc Rodgen V. Quirante PA/OACPA