Thank you to our Defense Secretary, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. [Please take your seats.]
The AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.; the other major service commanders here present; officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and, of course, the 2024 Graduating Class of the Major Services Officer Candidate Course; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
Your graduation day today signifies the culmination of your determination, sacrifice, and hard work to overcome the challenges of becoming an officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
This marks the beginning of your role to ensure the defense of our nation and the safety of all Filipinos.
As I stand before you here today, I am very proud to know that the future of our nation’s defense and peace lies in capable and honorable hands.
Ngunit bago natin bigyang-pugay ang mga nagsipagtapos, kilalanin muna natin ang mga tahimik ngunit matatatag na tagasuporta na laging nasa likod ng kanilang tagumpay.
Sa pamilya at mahal sa buhay ng ating mga nagsipagtapos, maraming salamat sa inyong walang sawang pagmamahal at pagsusuporta sa inyong mga anak. [applause]
We also remember the trainers, the mentors who guided all of these graduates on their journey towards becoming officers of the major services of the AFP. The lessons and guidance that you have provided will be the light in the challenges that lie ahead before these new officers.
To our awardees, congratulations on your achievements and thank you for being an inspiration to your fellow Officer Candidates. May these awards encourage you to excel in your duties and become even more dedicated to serving our beloved Philippines.
Your achievements and success are your contributions to nation-building.
Let this be your guiding principle as you step forward: In the face of evolving threats and modern warfare, innovation, technical expertise, and leadership rooted in service will be your most powerful weapons.
To all the members of the AFP, be assured that this Administration remains committed to transforming our AFP into a world-class force that is a source of national pride and national security. [applause]
This transformation begins with investing in our people— in their talents, the specialists, the leaders who will bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.
We will modernize your equipment, enhance your training programs, ensure that you are equipped to face challenges not just of today but also of the future.
Because together, we will build an AFP that will stand as a beacon of strength, of alliance, resilience, and technological excellence.
Lagi natin alalahanin na ang bawat hamon ay bahagi ng mas dakilang layunin. Sa bawat hakbang, ang inyong serbisyo ay hindi lamang tungkulin—ito ay panata para sa bayan, isang handog para sa bawat Pilipino na umaasa sa inyong husay, tapang, dangal, at malasakit.
To the Philippine Army class, “Katarakian”, Philippine Navy class, “Mangisalakan” – ang pahirap nang pahirap makahanap ng class ano dahil naunahan na kayong lahat, but you are showing very good imagination with all of this — Air Force class, “Sigmandigan”, maligayang pagtatapos sa inyong lahat!
Maraming salamat sa pagtanggap sa hamong makapagsilbi sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas. Saan man kayo maitalaga, nawa’y maglingkod kayo nang may kahusayan, katapatan, at karangalan.
Together, through solidarity and purpose, we will create a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Bagong Pilipinas.
Muli, binabati ko kayong lahat at nawa’y magkaroon tayo ng masaya at mapayapang Pasko at Bagong Taon!
Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Maraming salamat sa inyong serbisyo. Congratulations!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! [applause]
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