PBBM: Army must be ‘multi-mission-ready, cross-domain capable’ force

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2024): PBBM: Army must be ‘multi-mission-ready, cross-domain capable’ force (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

(File photo)

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday emphasized the need to turn the Philippine Army (PA) into a “multi-mission-ready and cross-domain capable” force under a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines).

During the PA’s 127th anniversary at Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac City, Marcos said his administration is committed to boosting the PA personnel’s morale, efficiency, and responsiveness through capacity-building initiatives, rigorous training and education activities.

“Since your foundation 127 years ago, the Philippine Army has endured the test of time, prevailed over battles, and evolved into a force that we can all be proud of. Not only has the organization been successful in its internal security operations, but it also exerted efforts in shifting to external defense,” Marcos said in a speech delivered by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

“As we march onward to the Bagong Pilipinas that we aspire for, we need to transform our Army into a multi-mission-ready and cross-domain capable force that can effectively thwart emerging threats to our country’s stability and sovereignty,” he added.

Marcos also underscored the importance of improving the PA’s cybersecurity capabilities to keep up with the rapid technological advancements and help maintain the country's security and stability.

He also hoped that the Army troops would continue exhibiting “selfless and dedicated” service to the nation.

This, as he acknowledged their important role in maintaining peace and order in the country.

“Equally noteworthy are your peacetime endeavors, which put you at the forefront of rescue and recovery missions aimed at ensuring the safety of our citizens. Our soldiers have become a reliable and calming presence amidst the loss and destruction that come in the wake of disasters and calamities,” Marcos said.

Marcos urged the PA personnel to take into account the lessons and the best practices they have learned from joint operations, as well as their engagements with other major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and foreign defense counterparts.

“Let the time-honored creed of honor, patriotism, and duty be your guidepost —in marching towards total victory— as we create a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) that prioritizes peace, progress, and stability,” he said.

Established on March 22, 1897, the PA has evolved into a multi-functional force throughout the years.

This year’s anniversary celebration of the PA carries the theme, ‘“Matatag na Hukbong Katihan para sa Bagong Pilipinas," highlighting its strong resolve to remain steadfast amid the challenges faced by the country.

Marcos was supposed to attend the PA’s founding anniversary celebration but had to skip the event after developing “flu-like symptoms.”

His health condition is improving despite having the symptoms, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement released Thursday.

The PCO said Marcos continues to work in his residence at Malacañan Palace in Manila, while taking medications for his full recovery.

Marcos is expected to resume his full public engagements “soon,” according to the PCO statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221333