President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain vigilant in defending the country’s sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, amid growing regional challenges.
Speaking at the Major Services Officer Candidate Course Joint Graduation Ceremony on Monday, Dec. 1, the President said the world is changing fast and these changes can create new risks for the country, stressing that the Philippines must continue to defend its rights in the West Philippine Sea where fishermen and soldiers stand their ground.
Marcos declared that the government will stay vigilant against any attempt to weaken sovereignty or test the nation’s resolve.
”This is why, your training will matter even more,” he further said.
Amid destabilization rumors, he reminded the AFP that their loyalty must remain with the republic and not to any individual or faction.
He underscored loyalty and integrity as he commissioned 638 cadets into the Philippine Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Marcos told the graduates that the AFP must always rise above politics and that their loyalty must only be to the republic.
The Commander-in-Chief urged the new officers to always choose what is right, warning that dishonesty can manifest in many forms.
“There will be moments when your integrity will be tested. Corruption and dishonesty can manifest in many forms. Kaya piliin n’yo lagi ang tama. Piliin ninyo ang bayan. Piliin ninyo ang katapatan at ang kapayapaan,” Marcos said.
Marcos emphasized that success in the AFP is not measured by medals but by service to fellow citizens.
He reminded the graduates that wherever they may be assigned — on land, at sea, or in the air — their mission will go beyond completing tasks and will ultimately be about maintaining peace and building a nation.
Marcos reiterated his administration’s commitment to modernizing the AFP, citing investments in radar systems, ships, aircraft, and facilities to strengthen deterrence and improve disaster response.
He also highlighted the deepening of defense partnerships with allies such as Japan, the United States, and Australia to better protect peace and stability.
He told the cadets that they are now part of a new generation of soldiers who must think fast, act smart, and work closely with others, whether within the ranks or with partners abroad.
This year, 638 cadets completed the Officer Candidate Course, a one-year program for baccalaureate degree holders designed to prepare them for commissioning in the AFP Regular Force.
The graduates include 326 cadets from the Philippine Army Class “Bumannawag,” 164 cadets from the Philippine Air Force Class “Kahimdaliyan,” and 148 cadets from the Philippine Navy Class “Sagmaraya.”
They will now join the AFP as second lieutenants and ensigns, tasked with upholding loyalty, integrity, and service to the nation. (Betheena Unite)
