National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.; Special Assistant to the President Secretary Anton Lagdameo; the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner and the major service commanders; newly promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the graduates of the Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institutions; fellow workers in government; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, magandang umaga at mainit na pagtanggap dito sa Palasyo ng Malacañang.

Leadership teaches us that every challenge is an opportunity where we can shine. And in the toughest of times, leaders are those who have the ability to transform challenges into victories.

Each of you here had your fair share of challenges in protecting the Filipino people and in protecting our nation, but you have risen above those challenges. You persevered in improving our country’s security, you have pursued reforms to better your organization, and you have taken steps to enhance your capabilities. This day is dedicated to those achievements.

The courage, dedication, and patriotism of those who have taken the mantle of leadership in the Armed Forces deserve the highest recognition and admiration from our proud and grateful nation.

So, on behalf of the entire Filipino citizenry, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the 35 newly promoted AFP Generals and Flag Officers, and to the nine graduates of Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institutions.

This career milestone testifies to the hard work, dedication, and adherence to the fulfillment of your duties as vanguards of your security.

As you move forth with your journey on this lifelong commitment to the nation, carry always with you the core values of the AFP.

I am certain that you can never go astray so long as you are guided by the time-honored principle of serving with honor and with integrity.

To our FPCTI graduates and our new generation of leaders, may you be inspired by the achievements of your senior officers as you grow into the AFP organization.

The training, the discipline, the strategies that you acquired abroad will certainly boost our forces’ capabilities especially amidst the increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.

Our nation relies on you to bring fresh perspectives that will strengthen our defense systems and enhance military cooperation across borders.

Undoubtedly, the world demands more from us now than was demanded from us before. We are now expected to be innovative, we are expected to be agile, and to have foresight. But one demand that has never changed, and that is for courage—to have the courage to respond, to have the courage to adapt.

Last week, we successfully conducted the 7th iteration of Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the Defense Forces of Canada and of the United States.

That demonstrates that we remain resolute in preserving our sovereignty by ensuring regional peace and international cooperation.

In line with our shared mandate to protect the people and the State, and to secure the country’s sovereignty and the integrity of our national territory, the AFP reaffirmed its commitment during the Solidarity Pact Signing for the 2025 National and Local Elections.

Once again we find ourselves at a critical juncture where we have to preserve not only the integrity of our election, but the very ethos of our democracy.

As a nation that deeply values and honors our right to vote, we are counting on the armed forces to ensure a peaceful, credible, and orderly conduct of the electoral process that the Filipinos expect from us. We cannot fail them.

To our esteemed officials and graduates today, be among those who stand at the forefront as we march toward a secure, prosperous, and thriving Bagong Pilipinas. A Bagong Pilipinas we all aspire for.

Let us all be shining examples of how a Bagong Pilipino should be: disciplined, patriotic, and ever-committed to the greater good for the greatest number.

Be assured that this Administration stands with you side by side in upholding peace, democracy, and the rule of law.

As your Commander-in-Chief, I offer you my salute and express my utmost appreciation to all your selfless sacrifices and services, not only to get to this point but all through the years of your duty. This of course extends to your families and loved ones who have had their fair share of sacrifices to support you in your career.

To quote Winston Churchill during the Second World War: They serve to — those who wait for their loved ones to come back for more also serve.

Once again, congratulations to all of you!

Maraming salamat!

Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! [applause]

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