Thank you for your introduction, the Defense Secretary, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. [Please take your seats.]

The members of the Cabinet here present today; the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner and the Major Service Commanders; the Philippine National Police General Nic Torre; Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan; the outgoing Commanding General of the Philippine Army Lieutenant General Roy Galido; the newly installed Commanding General of the Philippine Army Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete; our Medal of Valor awardees; Foreign Armed Forces Attaches; officers and civilian employees of the Philippine Army; my fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Good morning.

We mark a moment of transition in the continuing story of the Philippine Army.

Today, we honor the service and dedication of Lieutenant General Roy M. Galido.

He steps down as the 66th Commanding General of the Philippine Army, capping a military career that has spanned more than three decades.

He is a proud son of the PMA “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, a former Army Inspector General, [applause] and a Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Beyond the titles and respect that he has earned over the years, Lieutenant General Galido has defined his leadership through dedication and discipline.

Under his watch, the Philippine Army has made great strides on and off the battlefield.

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. 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 life – his or her life – for his duty.

Under Lieutenant General Galido, the institution grew stronger. Our uniformed men and women were given new tools, better equipment, enabling them to move faster, respond better, serve more effectively.

You have strengthened our bonds with our allies to improve how we share intelligence, how we conduct joint operations.

Our Reserve Force has also 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.

Lieutenant General Galido, mula sa puso ng sambayanang Pilipino, maraming, maraming salamat. [applause]

Sa panahong puno ng hamon sa ating seguridad, ipinagtanggol mo ang ating bansa at nagbigay ka ng inspirasyon sa aming lahat.

So, as we salute your command and welcome your successor, we remember that this ceremony, more than a change of command, is also a reaffirmation of the Philippine Army’s strength and endurance.

Because while no leader serves forever, the values that you impart in your time, in your leadership will continue to live on in this institution.

The Army has been enriched by your service and will grow stronger under the leadership of its next Commanding General.

And I now welcome 67th Philippine Army Commanding General, Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete. [applause]

You will be assuming your role at a time when geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty are high. This will demand your vigilance and leadership to deliver clear direction and to show a firm commitment.

But I have full confidence that under your command, the Philippine Army will remain steadfast [as] a pillar of strength and integrity, professionalism.

Kaya’t sa araw na ito, bilang inyong Commander-in-Chief, ipinapangako ko na ipagpapatuloy natin at patitibayin pa natin ang ating Sandatahang Lakas. [applause]

We owe you nothing less than our full support.

Nawa’y magsilbi itong inspirasyon upang mas magampanan ng Philippine Army ang kanyang tungkulin—ang magsilbi sa bayan ng may tibay ng loob, may paninindigan, at katapatan.

Maraming salamat sa inyong walang-sawang dedikasyon na magbantay sa ating Inang Bayan.

Maraming salamat sa lahat ng ating mga sundalo.

Maraming salamat sa lahat ng Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Mabuhay ang Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! [applause]

Maraming salamat at magandang umaga sa inyong lahat.

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