President Aquino cites need to further lift the Armed Forces' capacity, welfare

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): President Aquino cites need to further lift the Armed Forces' capacity, welfare

President Benigno Aquino III highlighted on Monday the need to further support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in line with their job to secure the country's territory as well as aid in rescue and relief activities.

In his speech during the change-of-command ceremony at the Philippine Navy headquarters along Roxas Blvd. in Manila, the Chief Executive said the continued expansion of the domestic economy has enabled the government to also address the needs of the Navy.

He cited the arrival last Friday of two Landing Craft Heavies (LCHs) from Australia, which were donated to the Philippines to help in future relief efforts.

He said the process to acquire three additional ships for the PN is also ongoing.

"Ito pong ating mga inisyatiba, nakatutok pa rin sa pagbibigay-lakas at kakayahan sa ating unipormadong hanay," he stressed.

The President pointed out that being the Armed Forces' Commander-in-Chief, he knows that the uniformed personnel are always ready to secure the safety of the country even in bad times and inclement weather.

"Hindi man nakukuhanan ng litrato o video; natatabunan man ng ibang balita sa diyaryo; mulat akong hindi kayo napapanghinaan ng loob, buong-buo ang inyong dedikasyon sa pagtupad sa sinumpaan ninyong tungkulin. Saludo ako sa ipinapakita ninyong wagas na serbisyo para sa bandila at sa sambayanang Pilipino," he said.

Thus, President Aquino stated the need to also take care of the uniformed personnel's needs.

"Naniniwala po tayo: Kayong mga kumakalinga sa bayan at sa mga Pilipino, kailangan ding arugain ng estado. Positibong siklo naman ito: Sa pag-unlad ninyo at paghusay ng inyong serbisyo, mas mapapalapit sa inyo ang tao; lalo na dahil nakikita nilang sulit ang ipinupuhunan sa inyo ng lipunan," he said.

"Ang resulta naman nito, nakikibalikat sa inyo ang mamamayan, gagaan ang inyong trabaho, kabilang na ang trabaho namin sa sangay ng Ehekutibo, at sa kabuuan, mapapadali ang pag-unlad ng buong bansa," he stressed.

The Philippine Navy is now headed by Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad, who succeeded Vice Admiral Jesus Millan.

The President cited that just like the former Flag Officers-in-Command of the Navy - from Vice Admiral Alex Pama, Vice Admiral Jolu Alano to Vice Admiral Millan - he does not personally know Rear Admiral Taccad.

He, however, believes that just like his predecessors, Taccad would be an effective leader who will institute reforms.

"Lahat sila, buong-loob na pinaunlad ang ating Hukbong Dagat. Imbes na maging pabigat, naging kabalikat natin sila sa pagpasan at pagresolba sa mga pagsubok na ating sinuong at hinarap," the President said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=791773