QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to attend the 126th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army as guest of honor and speaker on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the Philippine Army Grandstand, Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

As the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the President has been a stauch supporter of defense modernization and having a well-trained and capable military.

Addressing the troops from the Army's 9th Infantry Division (ID) in Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur last week, Pres. Marcos said the AFP must prioritize its mission to guard the country's maritime territory.

"We have to have a sophisticated and well-trained military, and I can say that we have been working very hard to [achieve that goal]," he said.

The Chief Executive also reiterated his promise to upgrade the AFP's defense capabilities and pledges that his administration will fully support the troops.

"I have always said that of all the sectors of society, it is only the military that has never let the Filipino [people] down," he said.

The Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army is commemorated annually on March 22.

Part of this year’s activities in line with the celebration is the conduct of a bloodletting drive dubbed, “Dugong Alay Ko, Dugtong sa Buhay Mo” on March 19, wherein they raised over 485 bags of blood from 1,273 registered donors, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross and Philippine Army Officers Ladies Club, Inc. (PAOLCI). 

The Army also conducted a Novelty Shootfest at its headquarters in Taguig City to raise funds for a cause on March 18.

A total of 10 teams from Army Major Units and HPA Staff participated in the four stages of the shoot fest utilizing the knock-out system for determining the winners of the game. Moreover, Team No. 1 led by Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., emerged as the champion in the Team vs. Team category of the fun shoot.

It can be recalled that the Philippine Army is the oldest and largest branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), responsible for ground warfare.

It has been involved in numerous battles, including the continuous Communist struggle in the Philippines, the local conflict, and international conflicts alongside other national military forces.

It was formed as a result of the National Defense Act of 1935, which established the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (PIA-NCR)