CAPAS, Tarlac — The Philippine Army has made significant strides in its training and education programs, reserve force management, and system under Bagong Pilipinas.
This was highlighted by Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido during the service branch’s 127th Founding Anniversary celebration held at Camp O’Donnell here.
He said such efforts aim to develop an agile and precise Army that is capable of defending the country and its people against any threat.
Among these include the recently concluded Combined Arms Training Exercise “Katihan” (CATEX) which tests the capability of the Army to move, maneuver, and sustain large-scale forces during combat operations.
“We just concluded the conduct of CATEX— the first Army field exercise composed of more than 3,000 troops on the ground performing the territorial defense operation and capability domain we are developing aside from the internal security operation that we normally do,” he explained.
CATEX is in compliance with the Department of National Defense’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept that ensures enhanced military capabilities to defend the land, air, and maritime domain.
Apart from training exercises, new training facilities across the country are underway to provide a conducive training environment for candidate soldiers and Army officers.
In terms of reserve force management, Galido emphasized firm leadership guidance for Army reserve forces. “This endeavor entails the development of our Army sustainment system in the manner on how we equip, train and support them while being purposive on how our regular and reserve force operate in a seamless manner, both in peace and in time of crisis.”
On another note, Galido assured that the Army will employ the values of prudence, discipline and excellence in performing and delivering its mandate. “Prudence will be the keyword in the Army systems and procedures while discipline and excellence will continue to define our day-to-day operation.”
He further added that the 127-year-old Army “is and will be committed to continuous learning and development to adapt to new security challenges.”
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro graced the event and affirmed the readiness of the troops in the implementation of Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.
“The Philippine Army is ready for transformation in terms of its recruitment, equipment, skills, interoperability, and facilities,” Teodoro noted.
With the theme, “Matatag na Hukbong Katihan Para sa Bagong Pilipinas”, the anniversary celebration kicked-off with a simultaneous flag ceremony participated by Army units nationwide.
During the program, the Philippine Army also recognized individuals, stakeholders, and people’s organizations for their contribution in the pursuit of lasting and sustainable peace.
It also showcased the expertise, prowess, and capabilities of the Army through arnis group demonstration, mass jump (airborne), and pass-in-review.
