The Philippine Army (PA) has introduced "significant adjustments" in its mindset, priorities and values to address the evolving security environment not only in the country but in the entire Southeast Asia. 

This was stressed by Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Army commanding general, during the celebration of the 127^thanniversary of the major service unit at Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac City on Friday, March 22. 

The celebration had the theme: "Matatag na Hukbong Katihan para sa Bagong Pilipinas." President Marcos was represented by Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. during the anniversary celebration, which was held outside of the Army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City for the very first time.

In his speech, Galido stressed how the Army leadership decided to adjust the training programs of its active force and the management of its reserve force so they can work seamlessly in future operations that would require large-scale deployment.

“As we face various challenges, transformation even is more essential. Just as David confronted Goliath, and learning from the world’s greatest athletes in the ‘70s, we are taking cue on handling formidable opponents by embracing a strategic mindset and forging inventive solutions,” the Army chief said.

“We aspire to develop an Army that is agile and precise, capable to deliver decisive actions against any threat that may arise,” he added.

The Army has shifted its focus from internal security operation -- that is battling communist groups, local terrorists, and other domestic threats – to territorial defense, or operations which involve external security threats, specifically in the defense of the West Philippine Sea.

Galido said the Army has made strides in their training and education programs, reserve force management, systems of procedures, sustainment of force, and values to complement this shift.

“We want to underscore that the Army is moving beyond the expected ways that we prefer today to celebrate our anniversary with our troops who are training to fight, preparing their minds and bodies to defend our country at all costs from those who will dare to disrupt our freedom,” Galido said.

The anniversary celebration coincided with the Army’s conclusion of the CATEX “Katihan”, the first-ever Army-wide combined arms training exercise which focused on territorial defense operations.

“Your Army is now optimizing its resources to sustain its forces in large-scale operation. This is one of the core objectives of CATEX Katihan. We will continue testing the mobilization of forces in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon with the goal of establishing a robust and redundant command and control systems, and redefining supply and sustainment of forces across the archipelago,” Galido noted.

Further, Galido said the Army has also transformed how they manage the reserve force, starting with the provision of a “firm leadership guidance.”

“There is also a major transformation in how we manage our army reserve today, starting with providing a firm leadership guidance to focus our reserve force organization and development programs,” he stated.

The reserve force is a critical component of the Army as they can be deployed during various operations to boost the presence of the active forces including during disaster rescue and recovery.

At present, more than one million reservists are complementing the 100,000-strong Army active force.

“This endeavor entails the development of our Army’s sustainment systems in a manner of how we equip, train and support them while being purposive on how our regular and reserve force operate in a seamless manner both in peace and in time of crisis,” he added.

During the event, a showcase of airborne and military freefall capabilities was conducted by the Special Forces. Outstanding Army units and personnel were also recognized.

The Army arnis exhibition group also displayed their combative prowess and self-defense capabilities. Impressed by the performance, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. said that arnis will now be taught in all the major service units of the military. 

"Because I was impressed by the arnis exhibition that was shown to us, now that we have enough instructors for arnis, hencefort, arnis as a martial art, Fiipino-bred, will be taught to all members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force," he said.

Various Army units also showcased their latest and current ground defense assets such as the 155mm self-propelled howitzers, Sabrah light tanks, armored personnel carriers, and combat engineer equipment.