President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday honored former Army commanding general, now-retired Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, recognizing his many accomplishments during a time of heightened security challenges.
“Beyond the titles and respect he has earned over the years, Lt. Gen. Galido has defined his leadership through dedication and discipline. Under his watch, the Philippine Army has made great strides on and off the battlefield,” President Marcos said during the change of command ceremony in the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.
The ceremony also served as retirement honors for Galido, who stepped down from military service upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 57.
“You have pursued peace through civil-military operations that led to the surrender of armed fighters. Sa gitna ng labanan, armas ang inyong tangan upang ipagtanggol ang ating bayan,” President Marcos said, addressing Galido.
“Ngunit, batid kong mas malakas ang inyong pagnanais sa [mahinahong] pag-uusap at pagkakasundo. No Filipino desires peace more than the soldier who has to lay down his or her life for his duty,” the Commander-in-Chief said.
President Marcos said that the Philippine Army grew stronger under Galido, with troops given new tools and better equipment that enabled them to move faster, respond better, and serve more effectively.
The Chief Executive also acknowledged Galido’s efforts in helping strengthen the Philippines’ bonds with allies to improve intelligence-sharing and joint operations.
President Marcos said that under Galido, the Philippine Army Reserve Force has stepped up in times of disasters, bringing relief and hope to affected communities.
“You forged partnerships with other government agencies and sectors, expanding camps, developing bases, and turning Army lands into self-sustaining spaces,” President Marcos told Galido.
“Lieutenant General Galido, mula sa puso ng sambayanang Pilipino, maraming, maraming salamat. Sa panahong puno ng hamon sa ating seguridad, ipinagtanggol mo ang ating bansa at nagbigay ka ng inspirasyon sa ating lahat,” the Chief Executive said. | PND
