NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila - The Philippine Navy (PN) commemorated its 126th founding anniversary on Friday, May 24 with the Secretary of National Defense (SND), Hon. Gilberto Teodoro Jr., gracing the ceremony at the PN headquarters in Manila.
Anchored on the theme “PN @126: Toward a Modern Naval Force Capable of Securing the State and Contributing to Regional Peace," this year’s celebration placed emphasis on the Navy’s forward-looking vision and strategic direction towards modernization and enhanced capabilities, ensuring its goal of becoming a more vital and responsive force in national defense and regional stability.
The event was further distinguished by the presence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Flag Officer in Command (FOIC), Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., other senior defense and military officials, and former FOICs.
Vice Adm. Adaci welcomed the attendees to this momentous event “to celebrate our Navy's rich heritage and traditions and share our great anticipation of the future” as he emphasized the Navy’s goal “to establish a multi-domain capability backed up by competent personnel, and adequate and appropriate support systems so we can properly support the CADC (Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept).”
The Navy Chief also reaffirmed commitment to furthering engagements and collaborative efforts with allies, strategic partners, and like-minded navies to “collectively ensure the peace and stability of regional sea lanes of communication and promote a prosperous maritime environment for all.”
Meanwhile, Secretary Teodoro underlined the Philippine Navy’s evolution “as a component of joint defense and military power to create a credible and strong deterrent force in order to protect our sovereign rights, our sovereignty, and our territorial integrity.”
Conveying his pride as “almost all our countrymen are united behind our efforts despite the challenges, steadfast to our country, proud of our country, and proud of our armed forces,” the SND reminded the sailors and marines that the Filipino people will “continue to demand more and more of each and everyone” for “we owe our future generations no less than this.”
With this, he ensured that the armed forces “will train more realistically” through increased maritime cooperative activities with likeminded nations, training scenarios, and interoperability exercises involving civilian counterparts “because this is what a total defense posture requires.”
Remarkable achievements and contributions of different PN units and personnel were also recognized during the ceremony. The Philippine Fleet was hailed as the Type Command of the Year for exemplary performance and operational excellence. Naval Forces Northern Luzon was recognized as the top Naval Operating Force, demonstrating superior capabilities in safeguarding the nation's maritime interests. Underscoring their vital roles in maintaining the Navy's operational readiness and personnel welfare, the Naval Sea Systems Command, and the Navy Personnel Management Center were feted as the best Support Command and Support Unit, respectively.
Included in the individual awardees were the seven Navy enlisted personnel who were part of the supply boat conducting rotation and reprovision (RORE) missions in the West Philippine Sea. They were conferred the Balangay sa Kanluran badge in recognition of their outstanding service, unwavering courage, and resilience displayed while conducting AFP campaigns under challenging condition.
The PN’s 126th year is another significant waypoint as the organization moves closer to its destination of becoming a modern and multi-capable naval force. Its steady transformation and ability to withstand the ever-changing security landscape are indispensable to maintaining a more secure maritime nation and a peaceful region.
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