Executive Secretary, Secretary Lucas Bersamin; National Defense Secretary, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.; the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner and the major service commanders; the newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; fellow workers in government; other distinguished guests; and the families of course of our newly promoted officers, welcome to Malacañang, good afternoon.

First of all, allow me to congratulate the newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces.

This achievement is a clear reflection of how your expertise, your discipline, and commitment to the nation have come together in pursuit of the welfare of our people.

For almost 90 years, 89 years it has been, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has been the bedrock of our sovereignty—a vital force that protects our land, our people, our freedoms.

But this gathering reminds us that the true measure of service is not found in accolades or ranks or promotions; it lies in the fulfillment of your duty to uphold the integrity of our nation and to ensure the safety and security of every Filipino citizen.

And this year, you have shown what excellence in public service looks like.

Last month, the AFP launched the Combined Coordination Center at Camp Aguinaldo in partnership with the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

It is a leap forward in our modernization efforts, reinforcing our interoperability with allies and strengthening our defense capabilities under the Mutual Defense Board Concept Plan.

You have also concluded the eighth iteration of AFP Joint Exercise “DAGIT-PA” or Dagat-Langit-Lupa, sharpening your tactics, techniques, and procedures. These exercises equip our forces as they address evolving security threats and operationalize the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

Beyond military operations, you have been instrumental in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response during some of our darkest hours.

In the wake of Severe Tropical Storms Kristine, Nika, Super Typhoons Leon and Pepito, your swift and coordinated efforts saved many, many lives. These actions remind us that the AFP is a force of compassion.

However, we continue to face complex and dynamic challenges—threats to our sovereignty, lawless elements that undermine peace, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters. These require us to remain steadfast, resourceful, unyielding in our resolve.

As stewards of our national defense, you bear the solemn responsibility of ensuring the security of our land, of our seas, of our skies, our cyberspace.

In defending our waters, we must uphold international maritime laws, deepening our commitment to regional peace and cooperation. By fostering coordination amongst nations, we can safeguard stability while advancing our collective interests.

Diplomacy rooted in strong legal foundations is our most effective instrument in navigating these endeavors.

Equally, we must continue to empower our troops to serve our communities better. Train them to respond not only with skill but with empathy—ensuring that their actions reflect the highest ideals of public service.

After all, the stars on your shoulders signify the responsibilities you now carry—the trust of the Filipino people, the security of our nation, and the future of generations yet to come.

Every decision we make now, every action that we take, will help shape the course of our Republic.

As our senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I enjoin you to lead with honor, serve with integrity, and inspire others with your example. Stand with your troops, stand for the Constitution, and above all, stand for the Filipino people.

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.

Mabigat man ang inyong sinumpaang tungkulin; marami mang hamon ang kailangang harapin; makakaasa kayo na ang buong bansa ay kasama ninyo—nagdadasal para sa inyong kaligtasan, sumusuporta sa inyong mga hakbang, at umaasang maglilingkod kayo nang may katapatan sa ating bayan.

Higit sa lahat, isulong natin ang mga pangarap ng bawat Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng bawat misyon na naitupad natin, bawat sakripisyong iniaalay, at bawat hamong tinapatan ng tagumpay.

Maraming salamat! Mabuhay ang Armed Forces of the Philippines!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! [applause]

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