“Piliin niyo lagi ang tama. Piliin ninyo ang bayan. Piliin ninyo ang katapatan at ang kapayapaan.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called on the graduating officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to uphold their duty to the Republic and lead with integrity as they begin their military careers.

Speaking at the Major Services Officer Candidate Course Joint Graduation Ceremony, President Marcos said that the officers’ loyalty must always be to the Constitution and the Filipino people, not to any individual or faction.

“More than this, the AFP that you are part of now must always rise above politics. Your loyalty must not be to any individual or faction, but only to the Republic,” President Marcos said during the ceremony held at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

President Marcos reminded the top graduates that their success in the AFP is measured not by medals alone, but by how well they serve their fellow citizens.

“Alam kong mabigat ang panahon ngayon. The world is changing fast. These changes can create new risks for our country,” the President said.

President Marcos said the military should continue defending Philippine sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, where Filipino fishermen and soldiers continue to uphold the nation’s rights despite growing challenges.

“We will stay vigilant against any attempt to weaken our sovereignty or test our resolve,” the President said.

President Marcos underscored the significance of the graduates’ training, which has prepared them to think quickly, act decisively, and work closely with others, whether within the AFP or with international partners.

The Chief Executive also said that their integrity is reflected in their uniform and rank and that they must be role models, especially now when Filipinos seek honesty and courage in public service.

President Marcos then reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a modern and professional AFP.

“We continue to invest in radar systems, ships, aircraft, and facilities that will strengthen our deterrence and improve disaster response,” the President said.

“We also deepen our partnerships with other countries, such as Japan, the United States, and Australia, as well as other allies, to better protect our shared peace and stability,” President Marcos added.

The President reminded the graduates that their mission extends beyond completing operations. It also includes maintaining peace, protecting communities during disasters, securing elections, and delivering government services to even the most remote areas.

“There will be moments when your integrity will be tested. Corruption and dishonesty can manifest in many forms. Kaya piliin niyo lagi ang tama. Piliin ninyo ang bayan. Piliin ninyo ang katapatan at ang kapayapaan,” President Marcos said.

The President encouraged the graduates to carry with them the pride of their families and the hopes of the Filipino people, noting that their success will help build a safe, peaceful, and prosperous nation.

President Marcos, meanwhile, thanked the families who supported the candidates throughout their training, as well as the instructors and mentors, who guided them “with patience and purpose.”

The Officer Candidate Course (OCC) is a one-year program for baccalaureate degree holders, designed to prepare them to be mentally, physically, and emotionally fit for commissioning in the AFP Regular Force.

This year, a total of 638 cadets from the Philippine Army (PA) Class “Bumannawag” (326), the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Class “Kahimdaliyan” (164), and the Philippine Navy (PN) Class “Sagmaraya” (148) successfully completed their OCCs and will join the AFP as second lieutenants and ensigns.

President Marcos, assisted by National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., conferred awards on the top students during the ceremony. | PND