Geline Salac

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Blackhawk

Pia Gutierrez

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1734060406574blackhawk.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Philippine Air Force, file</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Friday reaffirmed the government&#x27;s commitment to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines as he led the joint graduation ceremony of the Major Services Officer and Candidate Course of the AFP at the Tejeros Hall in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.</p><p>In his speech before 610 new officers of the Philippine Army, Navy, and Air Force, Marcos Jr said that his administration remains focused on establishing the AFP as “a beacon of strength, of alliance, resilience, and technological excellence.”</p><p>He said the government is committed to making the AFP “a world-class force that is a source of national pride and national security.&quot;</p><p>He said that for that to happen, the government must invest in military personnel, &quot;the specialists, the leaders who will bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.” </p><p>He assured the new officers that the government will provide modern equipment and enhanced training programs to make sure the military will be ready for present and future challenges.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/12/china-carrying-out-maritime-occupation-in-west-philippine-sea-analyst-1326">China carrying out &#x27;maritime occupation&#x27; in West Philippine Sea: analyst</a></div><p>The Philippines has been conducting a multi-stage modernization program, with a proposed Horizon 3 meant to improve the coutnry&#x27;s archipelagic defense system.</p><p>It has also ramped up engagements with foreign militaries for training and interoperability amid tension with China over the West Philippine Sea.</p><div><strong>&#x27;REMEMBER YOUR DUTY&#x27;</strong></div><p>The President, who is also the military’s commander-in-chief, meanwhile reminded the new graduates of their sworn duties to serve the country and its people as the Philippines faces evolving security challenges.</p><p>“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,” Marcos Jr said.</p><p>(Let us always remember that every challenge is part of a greater goal. At each step, your service is not just duty but also a pledge to the nation and an offering to each Filipino who relies on your excellence, courage, honor and compassion)</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/7/group-aims-to-recruit-1-million-military-reservists-in-3-years-1559">Group aims to recruit 1 million military reservists in 3 years<br/></a></div><p>This graduates consist of 362 cadets from the Philippine Army (PA) - Katarakian Class 61-2024, 173 cadets from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) - Sigmandigan Class 2024 and 75 cadets from the Philippine Navy (PN) - Mangisalakan Class 42-2024.</p><p>The Officer Candidate Course is a year-long program that trains qualified civilians and enlisted personnel with a baccalaureate degree to serve as second lieutenants in the Army and Air Force and ensigns in the Navy.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5wUHefGgebQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Marcos Jr. said the government is committed to making the AFP “a world-class force that is a source of national pride and national security."</p>

Marcos Jr. said the government is committed to making the AFP “a world-class force that is a source of national pride and national security."

Marcos Jr. assures new AFP officers of government commitment to modernize military

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Marcos Jr. assures new AFP officers of government commitment to modernize military

Pia Gutierrez,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 13, 2024 11:28 AM PHT

Read More:

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Armed Forces of the Philippines

AFP modernization

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