In the spirit of the Yuletide season, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) unveiled a giant Christmas tree at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday, Dec. 2.
Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, AFP Chief of Staff, led the lighting ceremony of the AFP Christmas tree and a thanksgiving mass.
Christmas trees were also simultaneously lit up in all other military camps nationwide.
Bacarro said the ceremonial lighting of the AFP Christmas tree was meant to “inspire joy and hope, and awaken the spirit of nationalism and love of service in all soldiers.”
“We officially mark the celebration of the Yuletide season by lighting up the big Christmas tree in the respective AFP camps. This gives me an immense sense of pride and gratitude to be able to observe this season of giving and receiving love with the whole AFP family,” Bacarro said.
The simultaneous lighting of Christmas tree has become an annual tradition for the AFP.
Bacarro said the AFP Christmas tree has been a symbol of “home” for some soldiers who have to fulfill their duties in securing the country while away from their families even during Christmastime.
“May these lights’ cheerful glow inspire each of us to hope and rejoice amidst numerous tribulations and remind us of the wonderful things born from the camaraderie we have formed while we carry out our gallant service away from our homes,” the AFP chief said.
The ceremony was attended by personnel of the General Headquarters (GHQ) while members of major services, unified commands, and other AFP units joined via video teleconference.