Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana took pride of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which will celebrate its 86th founding anniversary on Tuesday, December 21.

Lorenzana said the AFP serves as a “bastion of strength and valor” and the country’s “sentinel against threats to our democratic way of life.”
“Over the years, the AFP has defended our communities from communist rebels, terrorists, other lawless elements, and calamities. During disasters and emergencies, our troops braved dire situations to bring assistance to the victims,” he said in a statement on Monday, Dec. 20.
The AFP is currently involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations for the victims of typhoon “Odette” in Visayas and Mindanao.
“Indeed, the hard-earned trust bestowed upon the AFP by the Filipino nation, year after year, is due to the dedicated service and patriotism of our men and women in uniform,” the Defense Chief stated.
He also underscored the importance of modernizing the military as it confronts security threats in all fronts – from enemies on land and air to hostile forces at sea.
“We have seen genuine reforms in the military take shape over the years. It has become a more efficient, effective, and professional organization that the Filipino can rely on,” Lorenana said.
“Together with the One Defense Team, I express my gratitude to the AFP for constantly watching our archipelagic nation. Tunay ngangang AFP ang kalasag ng sambayanang Pilipino (It is true that the AFP is the shield of the Filipino nation),” he added.
The AFP was founded on December 21, 1935. It celebrates its 86th founding anniversary with the theme AFP@86: Kaagapay ng Mamamayan, Lalaban para sa Kapayapaan, Sagisag ng Kadakilaan.