Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has promised to support Vice President Leni Robredo's programs that aim to uplift the lives of the Filipinos.
(PHILIPPINE ARMY / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Gapay made the assurance after Robredo paid him an official visit at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday.
"The AFP is honored to have Vice President Leni Robredo who took time out of her busy schedule to visit the military’s general headquarters and convey her message of support to our entire endeavor," Gapay said in a statement on Wednesday.
"As the mandated protectors of the people and state, the AFP will continue to support the Office of the Vice President as well as all humanitarian assistance programs anchored on maintaining peace and development in the country," he added.
Among the projects in which there was collaboration between the AFP and the Office of the Vice President was the Oasis Project in which military engineers assisted in the construction of temporary shelters for medical workers who are in the frontline against the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The AFP is also supportive of the OVP’s livelihood programs for less fortunate youth in far-flung areas and barangays," Gapay noted.
Meanwhile, Robredo commended the AFP in its efforts to fight the pandemic. She also noted how the organization has cared for its personnel which allowed it to respond to the health crisis.
Robredo noted the AFP’s efforts to protect and preserve the country’s maritime interests in the West Philippine Sea, and mentioned the contribution of female soldiers especially the lady generals who currently hold key positions within the organization.
She also highlighted the contributions and sacrifices of the soldiers’ families in "keeping the home front while their loved ones are called to serve in faraway assignments."
She then articulated her admiration to soldiers who underwent rigid trainings to become public servants and assured her office’s continued support to the whole AFP organization.
Robredo personally congratulated Gapay on his recent appointment as the head of the Philippine military. In return, Gapay gave Robredo a token to mark her visit to Camp Aguinaldo.
Gapay was designated by President Duterte as the AFP Chief in July, and took his oath the following month. Just last September 2, the Commission on Appointments confirmed the nomination of Gapay as the country's top military officer.