GUEST COLUMNIST As the world prepares for the festive season, celebrating with family and loved ones, Filipino soldiers stationed in far-flung areas quietly stand sentinel, ensuring our safety and security. While most of us revel in the joy of Christmas traditions, these guardians of peace endure a...
GUEST COLUMNIST Last Nov. 8, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Maritime Zones Act (RA12064) and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA12065). The two new laws, as per President Marcos, aim to “protect our maritime resources, preserve our rich biodiversity, and ensure that our waters remain...
GUEST COLUMNIST On Nov. 12, Camp Melchor de la Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, celebrated the 53rd death anniversary of its namesake, Col. Melchor F. de la Cruz, a valiant soldier whose legacy epitomized courage, dedication, and exemplary combat leadership. The headquarters of the 5th Infantry (Star)...
GUEST COLUMNIST Several retired graduates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) are running for public office for the 2025 midterm elections. This pattern of former military leaders entering politics presents the question: Can their military background be useful in government? The answer is...
GUEST COLUMNIST On Oct. 20, 1944, the shores of Leyte witnessed a monumental moment in both Philippine and global history—the landing of US and Philippine forces led by General Douglas MacArthur, which marked the beginning of the end of Japanese occupation in the Philippines during World...
GUEST COLUMNS The Philippine Humanitarian Support Mission to East Timor (PhilHSMET) peacekeeping deployment was about helping East Timor. It also created an indelible mark about the virtues of the Filipino soldier that would spur future Philippine peacekeeping deployments. The knowledge gained...
GUEST COLUMNIST On Sept. 3, 2024, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong hosted the awarding ceremony of the US congressional gold medal, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of Filipino World War II veterans. The event was attended by US Representative Assistant Director Kevin J. McAllister, US...
GUEST COLUMNIST (Part 1) On the 25th anniversary of the PhilHSMET, I keep thinking of how this mission changed the lives and careers of those who joined this contingent. We embarked on a journey that went beyond a regular military mission, honoring the promise of then-President Joseph Ejercito...
GUEST COLUMNIST On Aug. 17, 2024, the UP Alumni Association (UPAA) celebrated its annual general alumni–faculty homecoming. This event offers an opportunity to renew friendships, network, and reminisce about some of the best years spent on campus. This year's homecoming was a resounding...
GUEST COLUMNIST The uncertainties amid the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue are critical because they present both attractive potential and significant challenges. To tackle these concerns, a broad approach that examines a tight balance between the modernization of the defense, forming alliances...
GUEST COLUMNIST By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos Patriotism can build a strong nation. On July 3, 2024, the newly elected members of the Board of Trustees of the Veterans of World War II took their oath of office, administered by PVB Chairman Roberto de Ocampo. This organization,...
GUEST COLUMNIST By Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret) The Philippine Air Force (PAF) commemorates its 77th anniversary today. Its initial organization in 1935 as the Philippine Army Air Corps to its founding in 1947 and remarkable transformation into a territorial defense force is a testament...
