(UPDATED)
The Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) kicked off 2025 with a traditional joint New Year’s call on Thursday, Jan. 3, to review current priorities and plan initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s security posture, enhancing resilience against emerging threats, and ensuring readiness for the evolving geopolitical landscape.
The top-level meeting was led by DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
In his remarks, Teodoro urged the DND and AFP to remain steadfast in protecting national sovereignty and upholding humanitarian values, reflecting the overall theme of resilience and unity.
He emphasized that the defense organization must "not allow the Philippines to be subjected to any distortions in narratives or momentum."
"Every life is precious, and ‘no one left behind’ is our commitment—not only to our people but also to our international commitments,” the defense chief said.
Teodoro also thanked the Philippines' foreign partners for their support in upholding the country’s sovereignty and rights under international law.
Meanwhile, Brawner shared the military organization’s priorities for 2025, including the modernization of the armed forces, enhancement of defense capabilities, and establishment of strong presence in strategic areas of the country.
“We will enhance our naval, aerial, ground, air defense, and cyber capabilities to protect our resources and ensure the security of our waters, always adhering to international law," the military chief said.
The Joint DND-AFP New Year’s Call is a long-standing tradition where senior officials and high-ranking military officers gather to pay their respects to the DND Secretary and AFP Chief, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of AFP public affairs office, said.
During the event, the DND and AFP showcased their achievements during the past year.
They also reaffirmed their national commitment and shared leadership's vision for the New Year.
This, according to Trinidad, underscored the military’s continued dedication to national security and fostering unity within the defense forces.
The meeting was attended by officials from the DND and General Headquarters (GHQ), major service commanders, foreign armed forces attachés, commanders of the unified commands, sergeants major of the AFP and major services, and the officials’ spouses.