President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Philippine Army to be a “multi-mission-ready and cross-domain capable” force under a “Bagong Pilipinas” to thwart emerging threats and amid external defense concerns.
During the Army’s 127th anniversary at Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac City on Friday, Mr. Marcos said his administration is committed to boosting the Army’s morale, efficiency, and responsiveness through capacity-building initiatives, rigorous training and education activities.
“Not only has the organization been successful in its internal security operations, but it also exerted efforts in shifting to external defense,” he said in a speech delivered by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
“As we march onward to the Bagong Pilipinas that we aspire for, we need to transform our Army into a multi-mission-ready and cross-domain capable force that can effectively thwart emerging threats to our country’s stability and sovereignty,” the President added.
Mr. Marcos urged Army personnel to take into account the lessons and the best practices they have learned from joint operations, as well astheir engagements with other major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and foreign defense counterparts.
Marcos also underscored the importance of improving the Army’s cybersecurity capabilities to keep up with the rapid technological advancements and help maintain the country’s security and stability.
He likewise acknowledged the Army’s important role in maintaining peace and order in the country.
“Equally noteworthy are your peacetime endeavors, which put you at the forefront of rescue and recovery missions aimed at ensuring the safety of our citizens. Our soldiers have become a reliable and calming presence amidst the loss and destruction that come in the wake of disasters and calamities,” he added.
This year’s anniversary celebration carried the theme, “Matatag na Hukbong Katihan para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”