Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Friday assured officials and members of the Philippine Army of her support as they celebrate their 127th founding anniversary.
“Bilang inyong Bise Presidente at Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, kaisa ninyo ako sa patuloy na pagpapatibay ng ating Hukbong Katihan. Patuloy kong susuportahan ang ating mga programang naglalayong palakasin ang ating depensa at tiyakin ang seguridad ng ating estado (As your Vice President and Secretary of the Department of Education, I am with you in strengthening the Philippine Army. I will continue to support our programs that aim to boost our defense and ensure the security of our state),” Duterte said in her video message.
She also considered the celebration’s theme, “Matatag na Hukbong Katihan para sa Bagong Pilipinas (Strong Philippine Army for a New Philippines)”, as a manifestation of bravery, dedication and strength of the Philippine Army’s service to the country.
“It resonates deeply with our strong commitment to enhancing the capabilities and readiness of our armed forces towards the attainment of our shared aspirations and common destiny,” Duterte said.
“Your professionalism and resilience amidst internal and external challenges solidify our position in the global security arena and ensure the security of every Filipino,” she added.
Duterte has a rank of colonel in the Philippine Army reserve force.
The Philippine Army celebrated its anniversary this year at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac which is the first time to be held outside of its headquarters.
The event also marked the culmination of its first-ever “Combined Arms Exercise” (CATEX) “Katihan” that took place from March 8 to 22 in training areas in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army (PA) reiterated its commitment to defend the country and its citizens “at all cost.”
“Celebrating our Army anniversary in the location where we train our troops to become professional soldiers is the first and most tangible adjustment that you are all witnessing right now,” PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido said in his speech.
“We want to underscore that the Army is moving beyond the expected ways, that we prefer today to celebrate our anniversary with our troops who are training to fight, preparing their minds and bodies to defend our country at all costs from those who will dare to disrupt our freedom,” he said.
A showcase of airborne and military free fall capabilities of Special Forces operators kickstarted and culminated the program attended by Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. who represented President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ranking military officials, Medal for Valor awardees, former Army commanding generals, government officials, as well as foreign defense attaches.
Various Army units also showcased their latest and current ground defense assets such as the 155mm self-propelled howitzers, Sabrah light tanks, armored personnel carriers as well as combat engineering equipment. (PNA)
