• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

PBBM to PH Army: Sharpen your skills, embrace innovation

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
March 22, 2025, 1:13 pm

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged the Philippine Army (PA) to enhance their skills and keep up with the latest trends to make sure the next generations will inherit a "New Philippines" that is "peaceful, progressive, and full of promise."

Marcos made the call during the PA's 128th anniversary celebration at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City, as he assured its personnel of continued government support to make sure that they are "always ready" to fulfill their mission in protecting the country.

"As your Commander-in-Chief, I enjoin you to stay relentless in your pursuit for excellence. Sharpen your skills, master your craft, embrace innovation. After all, the Philippine Army's strength extends beyond firepower. It draws from its personnel's honor, integrity, and fortitude," he said.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the road ahead is not easy. There will be delays, frustrations, and challenges as they always are. Our strength and resolve will continue to be tested."

The President said his administration would continue looking for ways to boost the military's capability and welfare.

The conduct of training exercises would sharpen the government troops' combat readiness and strengthen their ability to respond effectively to any threat, he added.

Marcos said the government is also reinforcing its welfare programs, such as the mandatory annual physical examination, reimbursement of hospital expenses, and assistance for wounded-in-action personnel.

He noted that after a decade, the AFP personnel's daily subsistence allowance was raised to PHP350 from PHP150.

"These efforts are part of a broader vision: a nation where Filipinos no longer need to worry about their safety, where they can build a more dignified lives for themselves and for their families. When peace and order are in place, we can pursue knowledge, we can work towards prosperity, and we can contribute to our country's progress," he said.

"As we mark the 128th founding anniversary, we are again reminded why we choose to serve. We do it not for ourselves but also for the countless generations that will come after us. Every Filipino wants their children to grow up in a country where they are safe, where they have access to quality education, and where they can build a future that has opportunities awaiting."

Founded on March 22, 1897, the PA remains at the forefront of safeguarding the nation, evolving to meet national and global security challenges.

This year's anniversary celebration carries the theme "Hukbong Katihan @128: Matatag na Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas," highlighting the PA's crucial role in national defense and commitment to being a steadfast pillar of support for a new and stronger Philippines. (PNA)