CGPA's Speech during the 115th Army Day Anniversary

Welcome Remarks of CGPA during the

115^TH PA aNNIVERSARY Celebration

Ricarte Hall, PAOC, FBMM 220900 March 2012

(Photos by SSg Cesar Cuenca and Pfc Marlon San Esteban)

      Ladies and gentlemen, good morning…

      Today, we commemorate the 115^th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army with great pride and enthusiasm albeit with austere and simple ceremonies.  This does not, however, diminish the importance we give to this most significant event in the Philippine Army's proud history.  After all, the solemnity and spirit of the occasion remain unspoiled even in its simplicity. I believe that what matters most is the heart and conviction of the Filipino soldier for the institution, its noble legacy, and the service to our people and nation.

      Let me, therefore, welcome all of you to this proud and jubilant event, which culminates our observance of the Philippine Army’s 115^th Anniversary.

      Let me, as well, greet all my fellow Army soldiers – retired and in the active service alike – and all the Army civilian professionals a happy and rewarding 115^th PA Day.

      This celebration is undoubtedly an indelible mark of our forebears’ gallant fight for the independence of our people and unrelenting sacrifice to give birth to a free Philippine Republic.

      The Army’s continuing existence as a service and security institution, on the other hand, is so much a fruit of the resolve of the military generations that would follow – to include the present day soldiers – to preserve the gains that our pioneers fought hard for, as well as promote peace and security for all Filipinos.

      As a member of the global community, the Filipino soldier also braved foreign lands to help promote security, freedom of peoples, and  democracy. In our intrepid struggles, we earned the respect and admiration of our fellow Filipinos and neighbors in the international community.

      On local soil, we toiled hard as well to safeguard our people, our democratic system and structures, our diverse cultural heritage, and our land with its rich natural resources. In our campaigns, the Army soldiers learned valuable lessons that became the foundation of the frameworks and approaches that we used in our advocacies for peace and development.

      Even as we pursue organizational development and capability upgrade initiatives, we faced challenges posed by the insurgency and other threats to national security, as well as disasters and calamities that frequented our country. Yet, we remained undaunted and determined in pushing for institutional and capability transformation that will enable us to deliver effective, meaningful, and substantive responses to national imperatives.

      I am optimistic that we can achieve our goals confidently and decisively as we carry out our security roles and empower our people and communities through IPSP Bayanihan and the Army Transformation Roadmap. In our resolute efforts to these ends, we will give flesh to our theme for this year’s anniversary observance, “Philippine Army: serving the people, securing the land.”

      In all these, let us together champion peace as we inculcate and internalize performance excellence, good governance, and honor in the service.

      On these notes, I again welcome everyone and encourage you to be our witnesses and participants to this meaningful celebration.

      Again, happy 115^th PA Day to all!

      Mabuhay ang Hukbong Katihan!