Marcos assures support to 'strong, credible world-class armed force'
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has reiterated his support to the goal of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be a "world-class" armed force during its 87th anniversary celebration.

Marcos echoed his commitment to the armed forces' modernization during his speech at the celebration held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday, Dec. 19.
"Rest assured to all the AFP and all the uniformed services that this administration remains committed to the modernization of the AFP," Marcos stated.
"We will be partners towards your vision of a strong, credible, world-class armed force that is a source of national pride and a source of national security," he added.
The President further committed that his administration will continue to provide for the necessities of the AFP as he expensed gratitude to the force for their service to the nation.
"Hindi lingid sa aking kaalaman ang sakripisyo ng ating hukbo at ang panganib na kanilang hinaharap sa tawag ng tungkulin kaya naman bukod sa kagamitin, patuloy nating susuportahan ang kanilang pangangailangan (I know the sacrifices of our forces and the danger they face in performing their duties, so aside from equipment, we will keep providing their necessities)," Marcos said.
"As your commander in chief, I join the entire nation in expressing our profound and sincere gratitude to your unwavering loyalty and service to country to the constitution and to our people," the chief executive added.
During the event, the President witnessed the static display and the parade and review of the AFP’s air and ground assets. He also led the awarding of military officers and civilian employees for their exemplary contributions to the Armed Forces.
Bearing the theme, “AFP @87: Kaisa ng Buong Sambayanan Tungo sa Mapayapa, Matatag at Maunlad na Pilipinas”, this year’s anniversary celebration aims to showcase and highlight the Armed Forces’ transformation and advancement as a military organization through the display of assets.
Different activities will be organized nationwide to honor the decades-long service of the AFP to the country. These include bloodletting programs, tree-planting events and free museum visits in military camps, among other activities.