PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino 3rd on Monday thanked members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including his aides, for their loyalty as he reminded them not to be “relaxed” so that they will continue to grow as a highly capable fighting machine.
In his speech during the testimonial parade and review held in his honor at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Aquino said his administration’s contribution to the military was a far cry from those of the past three administrations in terms of budgetary and other support.
He said that in six years, the government poured P65 billion for the military.
He commended the troops for their dedication to service, especially during times of need.
He urged the men and women of the AFP not to be complacent.
“Sa kabila ng mga napagtagumpayan natin, tiwala akong hindi kayo magiging kampante. Mayroon nga pong isang kaisipan, at ang sabi (Despite our successes, I am certain that you will not be complacent. There is a saying: ‘If you do not grow, you stagnate; and after that, you deteriorate’,” he said.
“Ang magaling na pinuno, tinitingnan ang nagtapos nang laban, pero nakahanda na’t nakatutok para sa darating pang mga laban (A good commander looks at a finished battle but also prepares for the next fight),” Aquino pointed out.
The president said he will leave his office with his head up, knowing that he did not fail the military. He narrated how his government struggled to improve the equipment of the AFP by increasing the number of aircraft, ships and weapons in its inventory.
Aquino also took the time to personally thank the Presidential Security Group led by Rear Admiral Raul Ubando and his aide-de-camps who helped him make the hardest decisions during his entire term as president.