GUEST COLUMNIST
By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos, AFP (Ret)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As an institution, it operates under the mandate provided by the Philippine Constitution, which not only outlines its primary duties but also sets the foundation for the values it must embody. The AFP's values formation is integral to its functioning, shaping the character and conduct of its personnel. This article explores the core values that the AFP instills in its ranks, examining how these align with its constitutional mandate.
The Constitutional mandate of the AFP
The 1987 Philippine Constitution clearly defines the role of the AFP. Article II, Section 3, asserts that "The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State." Additionally, it emphasizes the AFP's responsibility to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory. This constitutional mandate forms the bedrock upon which the AFP builds its operational framework and value system.
Core values of the AFP
1. Patriotism and loyalty
At the forefront of the AFP's values is an unwavering sense of patriotism and loyalty to the Philippines. This means placing the nation's interests above personal gain and remaining committed to the ideals of democracy and freedom. The AFP instills a deep sense of national pride and duty in its personnel, ensuring that their actions always align with the country's best interests.
2. Honor and integrity
Honor and integrity are paramount in the military profession. The AFP emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and honesty, both in and out of uniform. This value ensures that AFP personnel maintain moral uprightness, resist corruption, and uphold justice, reflecting the institution's commitment to the constitutional directive of serving the people with the highest standards of conduct.
3. Professionalism and discipline
Professionalism is about competence, efficiency, and commitment to duty, while discipline ensures adherence to military codes and standards. The AFP trains its personnel to be skilled, knowledgeable, and disciplined, fostering an environment where excellence and order prevail. This professional ethos is critical in fulfilling the constitutional mandate of defending the nation against all threats.
4. Courage and valor
The AFP cultivates courage and valor among its members, essential traits for facing the challenges of military life. This includes the bravery to engage in combat, the resilience in the face of adversity, and the fortitude to make difficult decisions. Such qualities are crucial for protecting the nation and its citizens, as envisioned in the Constitution.
5. Solidarity and teamwork
The strength of the AFP lies in its unity and collaborative spirit. Solidarity and teamwork are vital for achieving collective goals, especially in complex military operations. The AFP encourages a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, ensuring that its members work together effectively to fulfill their constitutional roles.
Upholding the values in practice
- Implementing values-based training
The AFP integrates these core values into its training programs, ensuring that they are deeply ingrained in its personnel from the onset of their military careers. This includes both theoretical education and practical exercises that emphasize ethical conduct, patriotism, and professional excellence.
- Leading by example
Senior officers and leaders within the AFP are expected to exemplify these values, setting a standard for others to follow. This leadership by example reinforces the importance of values formation and ensures that the constitutional mandate is reflected at every level of the organization.
- Continuous evaluation and reinforcement
The AFP maintains a system of continuous evaluation to ensure that its values are upheld. This includes regular assessments, feedback mechanisms, and reinforcement programs, which help to maintain high ethical standards and professional conduct among its personnel.
The values formation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is a critical aspect of its adherence to the constitutional mandate. By instilling values such as patriotism, integrity, professionalism, courage, and teamwork, the AFP ensures that it remains a competent and reliable protector of the Filipino people and the State. As the nation evolves and faces new challenges, the AFP's commitment to these core values will continue to be its guiding force, ensuring that it fulfills its constitutional role effectively and honorably.
(Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos served with distinction as a military professional, 42nd Commanding Gen. Philippine Army, 1st Force Commander, UN Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, former member, UP Board of Regents and Professorial Lecturer II (part-time), UP-Diliman.)