MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of his administration's continued support to make the country's military at par with the world's finest armed forces.

In a speech during the 89th anniversary celebration of the AFP in Quezon City, Marcos said his administration was committed to ensuring that the AFP was prepared for a future which 'demands that we meet these evolving challenges head-on.' 'Through the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Program, we aim to reduce our dependence on foreign sources and empower the AFP to develop its own capabilities,' Marcos said.