TAGUIG CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered a keynote address at the Philippine Army's 129th founding anniversary ceremony on March 19, 2026, emphasizing the military's crucial role in national defense and nation-building during a ceremony held at the Philippine Army Officers' Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio.
The celebration, themed "Ang Inyong Matatag na Hukbong Katihan" (Your Steadfast Army), highlighted the Philippine Army's commitment to serving the Filipino people while maintaining readiness against all threats to national security.
Presidential Message Emphasizes Core Values
In his address to military personnel and officials, President Marcos stressed the importance of institutional integrity and professional excellence as foundations of military service.
"To carry this momentum, I encourage the Army to exemplify integrity, discipline, professionalism, as these are the bedrocks of your institution," President Marcos said during the ceremony. "You have earned the trust of the Filipino people through your steadfast service. Every day offers an opportunity to deepen and uphold that trust."
The Commander-in-Chief called on Army personnel to continuously improve their capabilities and maintain high standards of service. He emphasized that the military's forward-looking approach should balance defensive readiness with compassionate duty fulfillment.
Army Leadership Highlights Institutional Strengths
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete used the anniversary occasion to outline the Command's key initiatives and achievements, reinforcing the celebration's central theme of institutional stability and reliability.
"As we mark 129 years of service, we move forward with confidence–because our greatest asset has always been, and will always be, the Filipino Soldier," Lt. Gen. Nafarrete stated. "It is for this reason that we celebrate this anniversary, anchored in the very essence of who we are as an institution and for the people we serve."
The Army chief emphasized the organization's pride in its service record, declaring: "And we proudly say, na kami ang inyong matatag na Hukbong Katihan."
Recognition Ceremony Honors Outstanding Service
The anniversary celebration included a recognition ceremony where President Marcos and Lt. Gen. Nafarrete presented awards to exemplary military personnel and units. The awards recognized outstanding service across multiple categories of Army personnel.
According to the official announcement, recipients included officers, enlisted personnel, civilian human resources, and entire Army units that demonstrated exceptional embodiment of the Army's core values of honor, duty, and patriotism.
The recognition ceremony served as a highlight of the day's events, acknowledging individual and collective contributions to the Army's mission and objectives throughout the past year.
Historical Significance and Institutional Legacy
The Philippine Army's 129th anniversary marks more than a century of military service dating back to its establishment in 1897. The institution has evolved significantly since its founding, adapting to changing security challenges while maintaining its core mission of national defense.
Over the decades, the Philippine Army has played crucial roles in various national emergencies, from wartime defense to disaster response operations. The organization has consistently expanded its capabilities to address both traditional military threats and emerging security challenges.
The Army's involvement in nation-building activities has also grown substantially, with units regularly participating in infrastructure development, disaster relief operations, and community assistance programs across the archipelago.
Regional Impact and Local Connections
For Negros Oriental residents, the Philippine Army's anniversary holds particular significance given the organization's active presence throughout the island region. Local Army units have been instrumental in maintaining peace and security while supporting development initiatives across various municipalities.
The Army's role in counter-insurgency operations, disaster preparedness, and community development programs directly affects communities throughout Negros Oriental and the broader Visayas region.
Regional Army commands have consistently coordinated with local government units to address security concerns and provide assistance during natural disasters, making the institution's anniversary celebration relevant to provincial stakeholders and residents.
Future Commitments and Institutional Direction
According to the official statement released by Col. Louie G. Dema-ala, Chief Public Affairs of the Philippine Army, the anniversary celebration represents an ongoing commitment rather than a culmination of efforts.
"The Philippine Army remains united in its resolve to serve the nation with integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment for more generations to come," the statement emphasized. "This celebration is not a culmination of its efforts in improving its capabilities, rather an ongoing commemoration of our continuous journey towards becoming a reliable pillar of the nation."
The institution's forward-looking perspective focuses on continuous capability enhancement and professional development to meet evolving security challenges and national development needs.
Ceremony Details and Official Participation
The March 19, 2026 ceremony at Fort Bonifacio brought together military leadership, government officials, and Army personnel for the formal commemoration. The event was organized by the Army's public affairs office and featured both ceremonial elements and substantive addresses from key leaders.
The choice of the Philippine Army Officers' Clubhouse as the venue provided an appropriate setting for the formal proceedings, allowing for proper protocol while accommodating the range of participants and ceremonial requirements.
The anniversary theme "Ang Inyong Matatag na Hukbong Katihan" reflects the Army's commitment to being a reliable and steadfast institution that Filipinos can depend on for security and support across various national challenges and opportunities.
Photo credit: SSgt. Cesar Lopez PA and Cpl Rodgen Quirante PA/OCPA