Proposed Remarks of GENERAL JESSIE D DELLOSA AFP Chief of Staff AFP AFP 77th Founding Anniversary 21 December 2012

(with tagalong version)

Amenities (Appropriate greetings to all special guests) I. INTRODUCTION Today, I stand with soaring pride and honor as we commemorate a day that resounds with a great history of revolutions and martyrs, of challenges and gallantry, of struggles and triumphs, of quests and heroism.

On behalf of the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines all over the country, I express my sincerest gratitude to every one joining us here today in the celebration of the 77th Founding Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines the countrys steadfast vanguard of peace and democracy.

Every year, this occasion presents an opportunity for every member of our time-tested organization to savor the dignity of our noble profession; to uphold their roles as
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faithful civil servants who have stood behind the countrys every stride, struggle and victory; and to reminisce their toils in the unceasing service to the Filipino people.

It is my firm belief that more than just a job, soldiery is a calling. Many have dreamt and aspired to become soldiers, but not everyone can truly brave the enormous demands of this service. Indeed, a military organization tasked to defend a nation following the changing times and trend of needs must be a force reliable not only in the field of armed defense, but also in the field of civil interaction. This requires a better understanding of the current situation of our national defense and security, the conflicts arising both in the local and international setting, the dynamics of civil societys convergence, and most

importantly, the highest interest for our nation.

II. BAYANIHAN AT KAHANDAAN: TUWID NA DAAN TUNGO SA KAPAYAPAAN This year proved to be very challenging for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Internal and external concerns
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besieged our nationfrom natural calamities to man-made issueswhich kept every member of the Filipino society vigilant. These concerns are what we, as the armed forces of our nation, must be constantly aware and prepared for.

Ngayong tinatahak natin ang panibagong yugto sa kasaysayan ng AFP, naaakma ang tema ng ating anibersaryo Bayanihan at Kahandaan: Tuwid na Daan tungo sa Kapayapaan sa ating adhikain na pagbuklurin ang bawat mamamayang Pilipino upang sabay-sabay ang ating hakbang upang makamtan ang minimithing kapayapaan. Kaakibat dito ang mga reporma at programa na uusad sa mas handa, mas moderno, mas matatag at mas mapagkakatiwalaan na Hukbong Sandatahan ng Pilipinas.

Initiated by our predecessors, AFPs continuing efforts to reform the Armed Forces of the Philippines are being judiciously carried out by every member of this institution, with the support of our partner government agencies. These steps are necessary to achieve our goal of creating a

strong, dependable and responsive AFP with the credibility and capability in carrying out our mandate.

Sa ating paglalakbay patungo sa tuwid na daan, ang

AFP ay patuloy na isinusulong ang mga programa na nakaakibat sa reporma at pag-aangat ng antas ng kahandaan ng ating mga kasundaluhan. Along with the constant checkand-balance in the system, your AFP also puts great emphasis on the upgrading its logistical capabilities and manpower. Through painstaking plans and equitable

procurement of material requirements this year, we have guaranteed to provide better service not only in peacekeeping and territorial defense, but also in humanitarian and disaster preparedness.

As I speak today, our soldiers in the Davao Provinces and Compostela Valley are still pursuing relief and

rehabilitation efforts, in partnership with other government agencies, to continuously help the families affected by Typhoon Pablo. Our soldiers presence in the calamitystricken areas has been a source of strength and anchor for
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a renewed hope and faith to stand again after the tragedy. May I ask everyone to please give a round of applause to our soldiers who without hesitation are helping in the disaster and relief operations.

Nais ko rin pong pasalamatan ang lahat ng mga sundalo, kawani at ang ating mga reservists na nagboluntaryo at tauspusong nagbigay tulong para sa mga biktima ng Bagyong Pablo. Sa kabila ng hinaing at dalamhati, buhay na buhay ang diwa ng Bayanihan.

Sa paghamon ng trahedya na puminsala sa marami nating kababayan, minarapat ng inyong Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas na ang ating paggunita sa anibersaryo ng AFP ay maging simple ngunit makabuluhan. Ang tradisyunal na parada ng ating rescue assets at Fly-By ng ating sasakyang himpapawid ay hindi na natin isinama sa ating programa. Gayundin, simple ang gagawing pagdiriwang ng Christmas Parties sa ibat-ibang opisina dito sa GHQ. Sa ganitong

maliit na paraan, nais ipahatid ng AFP ang mensahe ng

simpatiya at pakikiramay sa ating mga kababayan na nasalanta.

II. THANKING THE PRESIDENT At this point, allow me to express my sincerest gratitude to our Commander-in-Chief for your sterling leadership and guidance; and for the enormous support given to the men and women in uniform. Nagkakaisa ang tinig ng pasasalamat ng bawat miyembro ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas sa mga programang inyong inilaan para sa aming kapakanan.

Sa pamamagitan ng HEPSBAIII Programang Pabahay, humigit-kumulang 9,388 na kasundaluhan ngayon ay hindi na nakikituloy at nangungupahan. (Pause) Upang matiyak na habang umuusad tayo sa modernong panahon, ang AFP ay nakakasabay sa kailangang kasanayan at hindi mapag-iiwanan sa kalidad ng gamit at armas, ang Republic Act 10349 o ang
New AFP Modernization act ay kamakailan na nilagdaan at

naipatupad. Batid ng mga kasundaluhan na bago pa man na aprubahan ang batas na ito, nakapaglaan na ng mahigit
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kumulang dalawamput walong bilyong piso para sa AFP Modernization Program.

Lubos din po kaming nagpapasalamat sa ating mga mambabatas at sa mga opisyal ng Department of National Defense, sa pangunguna ni Secretary Voltaire Gazmin sa inyong suporta at pagsulong sa New AFP Modernization Act.

Makakaasa po kayo na sa patuloy nating pag-angat ng kapabilidad ng AFP mas paiigtingin naming ang kalidad ng serbisyo upang mas magiging epektibo pong kaakibat ng mamamayan ang inyong kasundaluhan.

III. ON THE 2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE AFP Transforming the Armed Forces of the Philippines is a challenge that required the beefing up of our forces to better respond to any situation that might arise in our country. For more than two years now, our IPSP Bayanihan has guided the course of our mandate, and with it, we have made progress in terms of both forging solidarity with

various stakeholders of the society and upgrading our force capability.

Through careful review of our organization and capability structure, the AFP has embarked on an intensive planning and execution of the improvements that must be carried out. Just this year, with the approval of our Commander-in-Chief, we have procured various aerial assets and watercrafts to further improve our territorial patrol and defense, and we are also still expecting the arrival of other logistical equipment next year.

We also have started with the implementation of programs for the structures, systems, and policies for our units and soldiers this year. Primordial consideration was given to the morale and welfare of our soldiers; it is but appropriate that the AFP takes care of soldiers needs and of their families, while they toil in their respected duties. Our improvement project on the AFP Medical Center, for example, has been gaining momentum for months now. From the refurbishing of facilities and procurement of essential
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hospital and health care equipment to the implementation of a computerized information system and ensuring the availability of medicines and special treatments, our armed forces primary health institution has been providing an enhanced and better service to every soldier and their dependents in need of medical help.

Taking cognizance of the needed convergence between the civil society and AFP as a pivotal factor in addressing the present security situation, the AFP has put into action the whole-of-nation approach. Now more than ever, the spirit of Bayanihan is alive and vibrant as manifested by the interagency partnership we have established. Just last Tuesday, December 18, 2012, we held our 2 nd Peace and Development Bayanihan Awards Night wherein we gave due recognition to 17 personalities and organizations for their collaboration with the AFP in carrying out their respective advocacies. Sa tulong po ng ibat ibang ahensya ng

pamahalaan, LGUs, mga pribadong grupo, at mga NGOs na aming nakasama at naging kasangga sa ibat-ibang proyekto,

ang inyong AFP ay nabigyan ng pagkakataon na maipamalas an gaming tunay na adhikain para sa kapayapaan.

I believe that we have reached a landmark on the Peace Framework Agreement in our intent to end economic and security instability in Southern Philippines. The AFP will never rest on its laurels until the elusive dream of peace in Mindanao has become a reality.

Bawat buhay na ini-alay para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng bansa at ng mamamayang Pilipino ay binibigyan natin ng mataas na pagpaparangal. The actions of our
military casualties who passed away this year in the line of dutyrescuing disaster victims, conducting peace and security operations, and participating in the peace efforts in other countriesserve as our inspiration and reminder of how important and how noble this institution is. And with this in mind, we swear to serve with pride and diligence.

IV. WAY AHEAD

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The effectiveness of the AFP in carrying out its mission is always tied to its capability of exceeding what it has accomplished so far. We belong to an institution distinguished for its standards of professionalism, and more importantly as a cradle of heroes the modern day and living heroes. I now call on to all Filipino soldiers and every member of the AFP to join me as we reaffirm our commitment to live by our sworn duty and to rekindle the passion in our service.

Each year that adds up in this institution is a year of continuous re-evaluation and re-invention of the AFP to further serve its mandate and its expanding role in the Filipino society. Indeed, there are more challenges to face, and despite the crucible of times and the endless tirade of criticisms, your AFP is ready to adapt and respond to the rapidly changing society . . . your AFP will stand firm even in the worst imaginable situations; your AFP will march in unison towards our unwavering desire for our countrys peace and development.

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V.CLOSING REMARKS

Tunay po na napakarami nating nakamit ngayong taon, maraming salamat sa pagpupursigi ng bawat sundalo, opisyal, at mga sibilyang bahagi ng AFP. Lahat ng ito ay dahil sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, mga pribadong grupo, mga LGU at NGO, at maging mga indibidwal na walang sawang nagpaaabot ng suporta.

Lubos ang aming pasasalamat sa respeto at tiwala sa kakayahan ng AFP na tuparin ang aming sinumpaang tungkulin. Makakaasa po kayo sa patuloy naming dedikasyon hindi lamang sa aming gampanin kundi pati na rin sa patuloy na paglago at pagpapahusay ng aming kapabilidad bilang inyong ka-partner para sa tunay na kapayapaan at

pambansang pag-unlad.

Sa ating pagtanaw sa nakalipas na mga panahon, isa-isip natin na ang bawat pagwawagi ay simula lamang ng mas marami pang tagumpay. Patunay ang pitumput pitong taon ng
Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas sa lakas at kakayahan nito na

manatiling tapat sa tungkulin habang patuloy na sumasabay

sa mga pagbabago ng panahon upang

maging tunay na

kabalikat ng isang bansang masagana, matatag at mapayapa.

Muli, maligayang ika-77 anibersaryo ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas sa ating lahat.

Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.

Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

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