AFP ushers in 2026 with call for gratitude, forgiveness, excellence, hope
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. delivers his speech during the military's first flag-raising ceremony of 2026 at the General Headquarters Canopy Area of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo by PAOAFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. led the military’s first flag-raising ceremony for 2026 at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday, Jan. 5, to welcome the New Year with a call for four attitudes for all miitary personnel.
In his speech, Brawner called on the troops and civilian personnel to begin the year with a renewed mindset anchored on gratitude, forgiveness, excellence, and hope.
He said these attitudes should guide the actions of every soldier, airman, and sailor as the organization “moves forward in the new year.”
“Let us be thankful for all the blessings that the Lord has given to ourselves, to our families, to the AFP, and to our nation. Because when we have an attitude of gratitude, we feel blessed and content,” Brawner said.
He also emphasized the importance of forgiveness as the AFP enters the new year.
“Let us forgive those who have wronged us in the year 2025 and in the past, because by doing so, our hearts will be lighter as we enter 2026,” the AFP Chief said.
He likewise stressed the need for excellence in all duties as he called on all personnel to give their best in every responsibility entrusted to them.
“This year, 2026, let us strive to do our best in whatever job we have and in whatever task is entrusted to us,” he said.
Brawner closed his speech by reminding the troops to hold on to hope despite the challenges that the organization would face.
“There is always hope even when we fall or find ourselves at our lowest. We must not lose hope for ourselves, our organization, and most importantly our nation,” he said.
Brawner also encouraged all military personnel to act on their New Year’s resolutions by making concrete plans and regularly checking their progress.