As the Philippine Navy (PN) celebrates its 118th founding
anniversary Wednesday, it is no longer the decrepit force which earned derision
from its foreign counterparts.
"Today, we stand proud because we are a far cry from
the old, decrepit navy that we once were. We are a Navy poised for
modernization and our shared aspiration of a strong and credible Navy is almost
at hand," PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad said.
The change in the PN's fortunes is attributable to the
strong support extended by President Benigno S. Aquino III's to the military
modernization program.
The Chief Executive was the guest-of-honor and speaker in
the Navy's 118th founding anniversary Wednesday.
Aquino also headed the commissioning ceremonies for the
country's first strategic sealift vessel, the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and three
ex-Royal Australian Navy landing craft heavies who were named BRP Agta
(LC-290), BRP Iwak (LC-289) and BRP Waray (LC-288).
All four ships will be assign to the Sealift Amphibious
Force of the Philippine Fleet.
"In every way that we can, we strive to repay this
trust with the very best of our performance. Our awardees this morning are
testimonies to the dedication of our personnel and our units to even in the
face of meager resources or imminent threats," Taccad stressed.
"Finally, today is a celebration of the future. It is
our expression of hope that we see in the years ahead of us. Even in the face
of the real and urgent threats, we sail on and we look at the promising horizon
before us, not only for the Navy but for our country. Our government has made
great strides in strengthening our economy and fortifying the foundations of
sustainable development, and we have done so much in rebuilding the dignity of
our public institutions," he added.
And in line with this promise, the PN chief said the Navy is
more than ready to continue fulfilling its role for national development, with
the support of the national government leaders, lawmakers, our higher
headquarters, and our stakeholders.
"The Navy shall continue performing while transforming.
More assets will be arriving within the year and the acquisition of more
platforms are already in the pipeline. We cannot afford to slow down. We have
already built a firm foundation marked by culture of integrity and excellence,
and we mean to continue sailing towards becoming the modern, formidable Navy
that can make our country proud," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=890784
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