Major Services Officer Candidate Course Joint Graduation Ceremony for Calendar Year 2025 (Speech)

Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
December 1, 2025

“Sa panahon ngayon, kung kailan maraming Pilipino ang nangangailangan ng katapatan at katapangan sa serbisyo, kayo ang unang magiging halimbawa sa kanilang lahat,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated in his keynote message at the Major Services Officer Candidate Course Joint Graduation Ceremony for Calendar Year 2025 at the Philippine Air Force Gymnasium, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on December 1, 2025.

The Commander-in-Chief congratulated the 638 graduates from the three (3) major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): 326 from the Philippine Army (PA) Bumannawag Class 63-2025, 148 from the Philippine Navy (PN) Sagmaraya Class 44-2025, and 164 from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Kahimdaliyan Class 2025. He expressed gratitude to their families, mentors and instructors whose support made this achievement possible, and emphasized that true success in the AFP is measured not just by medals, but by how effectively officers serve the Filipino people.

“You are now part of a new generation of soldiers who must think fast, act smart, and work closely with others, whether within our ranks or with partners abroad,” the President said, underscoring the weight of the graduates’ training and the responsibilities they now carry as newly commissioned officers.

He also stressed the nation’s need for vigilance amid shifting regional and global challenges, especially in defending the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea. He reminded the graduates that in navigating these pressures, the AFP must rise above politics, with loyalty anchored solely on the Republic.

“We continue to invest in radar systems, ships, aircraft, and facilities that will strengthen our deterrence and improve disaster response,” he said, outlining the ongoing capability upgrades and emphasizing the government’s commitment to advancing the military’s modernization efforts.

He further noted that the Philippines is expanding partnerships with countries such as Japan, the United States of America (USA) and Australia to enhance cooperation and protect shared peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The President reminded the graduates that their mission extends beyond combat — encompassing disaster response, election security and providing government services to remote communities. He encouraged them to maintain integrity and to do what is right for the nation.

In closing, President Marcos Jr. urged them to carry with pride their families' legacy and the hopes of the Filipino people as they take on their roles as newly commissioned officers, emphasizing that every act of service helps build a safer and more peaceful Philippines.

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