President Marcos committed to making AFP a ‘world-class force’

MANILA, Philippines — In the face of “evolving threats” and “modern warfare,” President Marcos has renewed his commitment to transform the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) into a world-class force.

The President made the remarks yesterday as he led the joint graduation ceremony of the AFP’s Major Services Officer Candidate Course (MS OCC) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

“To all the members of the AFP, be assured that this administration remains committed to transforming our AFP into a world-class force that is a source of national pride and national security,” Marcos said in a speech.

“Let this be your guiding principle as you step forward: in the face of evolving threats and modern warfare, innovation, technical expertise and leadership rooted in service will be your most powerful weapons,” the commander-in-chief said.

The transformation involves the upgrading of military equipment and enhancement of training programs, to make sure AFP personnel are equipped “to face challenges not just of today but also of the future,” the President said.

“This transformation begins with investing in our people, in their talents, the specialists, the leaders, who will bridge the gap between tradition and innovation,” Marcos declared.

“Because together, we will build an AFP that will stand as a beacon of strength, of alliance, resilience and technological excellence,” Marcos said.

Calls for greater funding for AFP modernization have intensified amid growing tension with China in the West Philippine Sea.

“As I stand before you here today, I am very proud to know that the future of our nation’s defense and peace lies in capable and honorable hands,” he said.

There were 610 graduates in this year’s major services officers’ candidate course. Of the figure, 362 cadets were from the Philippine Army-Katarakian Class 61-2024, 173 from the Philippine Air Force-Sigmandigan Class 2024 and 75 from the Philippine Navy-Mangisalakan Class 42-2024.

The MS OCC is a one-year program for baccalaureate degree holders to be commissioned as officers in the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force as second lieutenants. Graduates in the Philippine Navy become ensigns in the AFP regular force.

“This marks the beginning of your role to ensure the defense of our nation and the safety of all Filipinos,” Marcos told the graduates.

Marcos, joined by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., lauded the OCC graduates and thanked awardees “for being an inspiration to your fellow officer candidates.”

“May these awards encourage you to excel in your duties and become even more dedicated to serving our beloved Philippines. Your achievements and success are your contributions to nation building,” he said.

For the Philippine Army, the Presidential Saber Awardee was granted to Probationary 2nd Lt. Mhel Empiso of Kapangan, Benguet, the valedictorian, while the Secretary of National Defense Saber was given to P2nd Lt. Arman Canoo of Kidapawan City, Cotabato.

The Chief of Staff Saber went to P2nd Lt. Jeselle Morilla of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, while the Army Commanding General Saber was given to P2nd Lt. Jhon Mark Amianes of Matalam, North Cotabato.

For the Philippine Navy, the Presidential Saber Award was granted to Probationary Ensign Earl Manuel Bendo of General Emilio Aguinaldo, Cavite while the Secretary of National Defense Saber was given to P/Ens. Lord Jansen Tavares of Sto. Tomas, La Union.

The Chief of Staff Saber Award was given to P/Ens. Mark Ely Sernal of San Ramon, Camarines Sur while the Philippine Navy Flag-Officer-in-Command Saber was granted to P2nd Lt. Jaynad Alvarez of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

For the PAF, the Presidential Saber Award was granted to P2nd Lt. Phinam Jethro Garcia of Pulang Pula, Las Piñas while the Secretary of National Defense Saber was given to P2nd Lt. Sheinna Domingo of Western Bicutan, Taguig.

The Chief of Staff Saber Award was given to P2nd Lt. Shan Ryck Largo of Rosario, Northern Samar while the PAF Commanding General Daber Award was granted to P2nd Lt. Laula Guillermo of Bulihan, Silang, Cavite.