Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City hosted the Philippine Marine Corps' 76th founding anniversary on November 7, 2026, bringing together active-duty Marines, retired veterans, and senior military officials for a ceremony that included the recognition of a 97-year-old Marine and the awarding of the Corps' best-performing units and individuals.
Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. served as Guest of Honor and Speaker at the event, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office (PAO-AFP) said in a press release dated November 8, 2026. AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete and PMC Commandant Brigadier General Bob R. Apostol PN(M) were likewise in attendance.
Oldest Living Warrior: Master Sergeant Hufana, Age 97
The ceremony included the recognition of Master Sergeant Hufana PN(M) as the Oldest Living Warrior of the Philippine Marine Corps. The 97-year-old Marine was honored by Defense Secretary Teodoro, General Nafarrete, and Commandant Apostol during the rites, according to the PAO-AFP release.
Top Brigade and Battalion Honored
The 2nd Marine Brigade, carrying the unit designation "Team Kalasag," was named Best Brigade of the Year. Defense Secretary Teodoro and AFP Chief of Staff Nafarrete jointly conferred the award during the ceremony.
The 4th Marine Rifle Battalion "Aim High" took home the Best Battalion of the Year Award, presented by the same officials.
Officer and Enlisted Awardees Named
First Lieutenant Justine O. Moriles PN(M) was declared Officer of the Year, with Teodoro and Nafarrete presenting the recognition at the event.
Staff Sergeant Joel S. Joaquin PN(M) was named Enlisted Personnel of the Year. His award was presented by Defense Secretary Teodoro, General Nafarrete, Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta — Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy — and Commandant Apostol, the PAO-AFP stated.
Bronze Cross Medal for Captain Faustino
Captain Angelica O. Faustino PN(M) was congratulated by Defense Secretary Teodoro and AFP Chief of Staff Nafarrete as a Bronze Cross Medal awardee. The PAO-AFP noted that additional military awards were also presented to other deserving personnel in recognition of their contributions.
Retired Marines Join Anniversary Rites
Retired Philippine Marine Corps personnel attended the anniversary and joined Defense Secretary Teodoro and General Nafarrete for a group photograph, according to official photo captions released by the PAO-AFP.
Photo credit: Photos by SSg Ambay PA / PAOAFP
Source: Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office