Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez told soldiers that a grateful nation and its leaders have not overlooked their sacrifices and crucial service, assuring them of his unwavering commitment to see to it that they are well-equipped and taken care of.
“Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and it is our duty to ensure that you are supported in every possible way,” he said during the Luzon leg of the House of Representatives-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) fellowship at Clark Freeport in Angeles City.
AFP officers, led by Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., including those not only from Luzon but from the AFP’s Eastern and Western Mindanao commands, and House members, attended the event.
Romualdez said that in acknowledgment of the soldiers’ “selfless service, the House of Representatives has been proactive in ensuring that our armed forces are sufficiently equipped to safeguard our nation, while also prioritizing the welfare of both retired and active-duty personnel.”
He said the House has approved several bills that “are a testament to the value and respect we hold for the noble service rendered by our uniformed personnel.”
“Your dedication enables the peace and security that allows our nation to thrive. Rest assured, the House of Representatives, and I personally, are unwavering in our commitment to support and honor the sacrifices of our uniformed personnel. Just as you have steadfastly served our nation, we pledge to steadfastly support you,” Romualdez told the soldiers.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House congratulated the military and its officials for winning the “proverbial battle for the hearts and minds of our countrymen.”
Based on recent survey results, he said the AFP “has successfully shed its tarnished image of old.”
“In its place is the image of the model soldier, worthy of the highest respect and trust of the Filipino people. This achievement is a product of everyone’s discipline, dedication to duty and sacrifices. For this, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has my utmost esteem. Congratulations everyone. Do carry on,” he said.
But he said in a press release from his office that while one battle may be over, “the fight for a better Philippines continues.”
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines plays a critical role in this fight, providing the stability the nation needs to sustain its forward momentum,” Romualdez stressed.
The Luzon leg of the HOR-AFP fellowship followed similar events in the Visayas and Mindanao. ||
