PNoy cites Phl Army achievements on its 116th founding anniversary

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 25): PNoy cites Phl Army achievements on its 116th founding anniversary

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the achievements of the Philippine Army on its 116th Anniversary celebration held last Friday, in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

In his keynote address, President Aquino also recognized accomplishments that the organization has achieved during the past 116 years.

“Talaga nga pong kay layo na ng ating narating sa loob ng isandaan at labing-anim na taon. Mula sa pagkakapunla bilang isang kilusang militia, ngayon, tunay na propesyunal na ang ating Hukbong Katihan. Mula sa mga sinaunang kagamitang pinondohan mula sa sariling bulsa o kinuha sa mga nadaig na dayuhan, ngayon, nagsisimula na ring maabot ang pangarap nating magkaroon ng isang hukbo na kayang harapin ang mga hamon ng makabagong panahon (The Philippine Army has truly gone far from its guerrilla force beginnings and is now a professional organization. From acquiring equipment with their own money or seizing them from defeated enemies, we now have an Army who can face the challenges of the present day),” the President said in the vernacular.

Just recently, the Army reaped the fruits of its efforts as it was recognized as Performance Governance System (PGS) - proficient by the Institute of Solidarity in Asia during a Public Governance Forum. The Army's performance as an organization gas been acclaimed as it passed the Proficiency Stage of the PGS, a strategic and performance management tool which assesses government agencies and local government units. This only suggests that the Philippine Army is in the right track in the quest for transformation.

The President also noted that under the Armed Force of the Philippines Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program, the equipment, training and even housing benefits needed by the personnel of the PA will improve their capabilities to defend the Philippines and its people.

Projects that boost morale and ensure welfare of the soldiers have also been given priority through the Health Service Support System which is enhanced in order to ensure higher survivability rate of soldiers in the frontlines. In line with this, field ambulances have been deployed to infantry brigades, and still more will be procured for the infantry battalions. Supplementary individual first aid kits have also been distributed to line units on top of casualty management evacuation trainings for the personnel of the Forward Medical Support Company of the infantry divisions that have been conducted.

President Aquino also led in the awarding of enlisted personnel, reservists, civilian employees, and civilian entities.in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the service.

Leading this year's pool of awardees is Colonel Yerson E. Depayso who earned the Distinguished Service Star for his effective leadership instrumental to the implementation of programs and services in his area of responsibility as Commanding Officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2401364032488