Amid recent criticisms surrounding his administration, President Marcos has underscored the importance of government integrity in securing national progress and that peace and order serve as the foundation for prosperity.

Marcos said this as he led the 128th anniversary of the Philippine Army in Taguig City on Saturday, March 22.

In his speech, the President stressed that public officials must lead by example to ensure a better future for Filipinos, particularly a nation where people can live without fear and have access to better opportunities.

"When peace and order are in place, we can pursue knowledge, we can work towards prosperity, and we can contribute to our country's progress. To achieve this, the government must lead by example," he said.

"We strive for a government that listens, that acts and serves with integrity. That is the only way to rise above adversities and move forward as a people," he added.

With this, Marcos praised the Philippine Army for its role in maintaining national security and assisting in crises such as disaster response efforts.

Evolving threats

In the same speech, President Marcos acknowledged that threats to national security have evolved, extending beyond physical battlegrounds to cyberspace.

"Ours is a world that continues to evolve. Threats have grown, increasingly more complex, and the battleground is no longer contained in land. It now extends into cyberspace and beyond," he said.

To strengthen the military's capabilities, Marcos highlighted the recent Combined Arms Training Exercise, which involved 6,000 troops engaging in complex operations.

He likewise assured soldiers of the government's commitment to their welfare, citing the recent issuance of Executive Order No. 84 which increased their subsistence allowance from P150 to P350.

"Hinahangad po natin makakatulong ito sa pagpapabuti at pangangalaga ng kapakanan ng ating mga sundalo at ang kanilang mga pamilya (We hope this will help improve and protect the welfare of our soldiers and their families)," the President said.

Marcos also noted efforts to streamline health and welfare programs for soldiers, including annual physical exams, hospital expense reimbursements, and mobile support for personnel wounded-in-action.

"Bagama't walang makakapantay sa sakripisyong kanilang ginagawa para sa ating bansa, umaasa naman kami na maalalayan kayo namin upang magampanan ninyo nang mas mabuti ang inyong mga tungkulin (Although nothing can match the sacrifices you make for our country, we hope to assist you in carrying out your duties more effectively)," he said.

The President then called on soldiers to remain steadfast in their duty, saying that true service is not measured by rank or power but by selfless dedication.

"Ang tunay na sukatan ay ang kahandaang isantabi ang sariling interes para sa mas mataas na layunin (The true measure is the willingness to set aside personal interests for a higher purpose)," he said.