President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday recognized the contributions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Council of Sergeant Majors for the improvement of the country’s armed services.

During the thanksgiving gathering with the AFP Council of Sergeant Majors in Malacañang, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the council for its dedication to boost the morale and ensuring the welfare of the enlisted personnel of the AFP.

The President highlighted the council’s vital role in steering the direction and performance of AFP’s enlisted personnel within their respective units.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the enlisted personnel of the AFP in securing the nation, upholding the rule of law, and defending the country’s democratic institutions.

The chief executive assured the members of the AFP that the administration will remain steadfast in protecting and advancing their welfare through modernization, capacity-enhancing initiatives, and provision of benefits for their families.

Responding to concerns raised by the soldiers, he vowed to expedite the release of the pension differentials of retired enlisted personnel.

The government has also launched the Comprehensive Social Benefits Package that will benefit departed police and military personnel who have been killed or maimed in the line of duty.

The Sergeant Majors of the AFP serve as the bridge of the AFP enlisted personnel and the Corps of Non-Commissioned Officers to the AFP Chief of Staff and to the Officer Corps.

They ensure that the concerns and welfare of the troops down to the lowest foot soldier are known to the AFP leadership and are addressed appropriately. PND