AFP lauds inclusion in top-performing gov’t agency list

FILE: AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo (PNA photo)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday expressed its elation after being named as one of the top 10 performing government agencies by the 2019 Executive Outlook Survey of the Makati Business Club (MBC).

“We in the Armed Forces of the Philippines expresses its gratitude to the representatives from 100 firms who comprised the 100 respondents in a research conducted by the Makati Business Club,” AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters.

The MBC survey seeks to provide a “snapshot of the business sector’s perception on the current government leadership and public service”.

Inclusion in the top 10 is a considerable feat for the AFP as it is the “only non-economic sector” that made it to the list.

“We are very elated that the participants to the 2019 Executive Outlook Survey of the Makati Business Club voted for the AFP as one among the Top 10 government agencies making it as ‘the only non-economic sector’ that made it to the prestigious list with a satisfaction rating of 78.7 percent this year from 60.9 percent in 2015,” Arevalo stressed.

Having the AFP included in the list of the top 10 performing agencies is a good development as the military is integral to the government.

“We are pleased that the AFP represents, as the Financial Executives of the Philippines president Atty. Eusebio Tan puts it, ‘a good development’ because the AFP is integral to our government and that its selection ‘is good for the country’,” Arevalo pointed out.

And while this inclusion is a high honor to the past and present AFP leadership under Gen. Benjamin Madrigal and to each soldier, airman, sailor, marine, reservist, and civilian human resource, Arevalo was quick to point out that this was attained at a high price.

“The respondents in this study in particular and our people at large have seen how our troopers willingly offered their lives and limbs in the pursuit of peace and security in many notable AFP campaigns like the Zamboanga siege and the Battle of Marawi, among other decisive operations,” he added.

Arevalo said this greatly adds to Filipinos’ positive views on the AFP as a trustworthy institution capable of fulfilling their steep expectations of protecting them and securing the state; dependability in times of disaster and calamities; professionalism, loyalty, and patriotism in all times.

Meanwhile, Madrigal said this latest accolade from the MBC will serve as a challenge to everyone in the military as it means that they will continue to quest on elevating their standing and be more worthy of the trust of the business sector and the Filipino people.

“We will remain loyal to our oath to defend our Constitution, protect our people, respect democratic processes and institutions, obey the rule of law and the duly constituted authorities — no matter the cost,” the AFP chief added.

With this, Madrigal assured the public that they will not rest on their newly-won laurel and instead use this as an inspiration in serving the country and its people better.