Monday, November 25, 2013

President Aquino lauds soldiers for their role in 'Yolanda' relief efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): President Aquino lauds soldiers for their role in 'Yolanda' relief efforts

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday lauded the military for their role in the relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by supertyphoon "Yolanda" two weeks ago.

"Kaya naman taos-puso tayong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng kasapi ng ating unipormadong hanay na talaga naman pong hindi umaatras sa mga dumarating na delubyo. Buong bayan po ang nagpupugay sa inyong sipag at propesyunalismo [We thank our uniformed personnel for not backing down during disasters. The entire nation salutes you for your dedication and professionalism]," Aquino said in a speech he delivered at the Joint Graduation of Major Services Pre-Entry Officers at the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo Monday morning.

Aquino recalled the heroic act of soldiers who, in the aftermath of the killer typhoon, served as the protector and source of strength of the survivors.

"Sa ganitong mga panahon ng trahedya, mahalagang kayong mga kawal ang magsilbing haligi ng katatagan at sandigan ng ating mga kababayan... Kayo ang katuwang ng mga pamilyang naghahanap ng kakapitan, upang gabayan silang muling tumayo sa sariling mga paa, at umahon mula sa nagdaang trahedya [In times of tragedies, you serve as the inspiration and pillar of strength of our fellowmen. You are the guide of families so that they can get up and recover from this tragedy]," he said.

Aquino led the distribution of diplomas and awards to the 140 graduates from the three major services, Army, Air Force and Navy as they graduate from their respective Officer Candidate Courses at the AFP Theatre.

Aquino also lauded the graduates for choosing to serve the country through joining the Armed Forces, as he rallied them to do their best in their chosen profession.

"At ngayon pa lang, nagpapasalamat na ako sa kahandaan ninyong tumaya at maglingkod sa kapwa at bandila... Sa inyong pagtatapos, humahakbang na rin kayo patungo sa realidad. At ngayon pa lang, sinasabi ko sa inyo: Hindi madali ang rutang inyong tatahakin [I thank you for choosing to serve our flag countrymen... The route you are going to take will not be an easy task]," he said.

"Umaasa akong hindi kayo mawawalan ng loob; umaasa akong hindi kayo mauubusan ng puso. Army man, Navy, o Air Force, kompiyansa akong isasabuhay ninyo ang inyong sinumpaang tungkulin [I hope you will not lose heart and faith and I'm confident you will live up to the vow to serve]," he added.

The officer candidate schools were established in the three Major Services to train civilians and enlisted personnel who hold baccalaureate degrees to be members of the AFP regular force.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=590471

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.