Amid all the celebration and revelry this Christmas season, there are some people who are still at work and even risk their lives for Filipinos to be safe and secure.

Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

Among them are the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which is why the Department of National Defense (DND) expressed gratitude to the "brave and selfless" soldiers who are still on duty, far from their loved ones on Christmas Day this Sunday, Dec 25.

"As the rest of the world celebrates, I convey my most earnest gratitude to our brave and selfless soldiers, especially those who serve in the farthest reaches of our archipelagic nation, away from their families," DND Officer in Charge Jose Faustino Jr. said on Christmas Eve on Saturday, Dec 24.

"Amidst the threats to their lives, they continue to protect our country and people from those who wish to disrupt the democratic Filipino way of life. Their sacrifice and commitment to their duties shall ultimately pave the way for us to build a more peaceful and secure future," he stressed.

As food and booze flow from parties and gifts are given left and right, the DND caretaker urged Filipinos to reflect as he underscored that the true essence of Christmas Day is to renew one's faith and "shine a light" for those who are lost in the darkness.

"Every Christmas season is a blessing and a chance to celebrate our victories, take stock of our challenges, strengthen our faith, and shine a light those in need," Faustino said.

"The birth of Jesus Christ is a yearly reminder for our brothers and sisters in the Christian faith of the primacy of family, love, and peace each day in our lives and communities," he added.

Faustino hopes that Filipinos will continue to work together to improve their lives and their communities.

"It is my ardent wish that the spirit and grace of the Holy Family continue to guide our lives during this holiday season and beyond. Let us look after one another and collectively work toward the betterment of our beloved nation," he said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, AFP Chief of Staff, said a "stable and reliable" armed forces is crucial for the country's recovery from the "difficult" years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This year has allowed us to slowly ease into the new normal as the new way of life. After the difficult past years of the pandemic, we are gradually beginning to rise from the favorable effects of the pandemic," Bacarro said in his Christmas Day message.

"We need a stable and reliable armed forces for a united, resilient, and progressive Philippines," he stated.

Bacarro then thanked all military officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources of the AFP as he urged them to continue doing their best to serve the public and secure the nation.

"May we mark the holidays with a renewed sense of purpose, fervor, and courage," Bacarro said.

"It is my hope that wherever we may be celebrating, this season will bring us much joy and happiness," he added.

#Christmas duty

DND, AFP tip hat to 'brave, selfless' soldiers on duty on Christmas Day