PRRD vows to sustain DND modernization

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on June 6, 2019. JOEY DALUMPINES/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday vowed to sustain the modernization program of the Department of National Defense (DND) as he thanked the country’s troops for defending the country against threats.

During the 80th anniversary of the DND at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Duterte said his administration would support its modernization programs by working with Congress to enact legislative measures that will enhance the department’s capabilities.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks to you, the brave men and women of the DND, for successfully carrying out the sacred mandate to defend our country against external and internal threats and ensure peace and security,” Duterte said.

The President said the DND has been an important contributor in national development by ensuring public safety and protecting territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He also praised the DND for their “indispensable” participation in humanitarian and disaster response, peace and development, socio-economic growth, and nation-building.

“The Filipino nation will always remember you in their hearts for pursuing this noble task that puts you at the forefront of combating elements that threaten our freedom and democratic way of life,” he added.

Duterte, meanwhile, expressed hope that troops would be inspired to work harder to ensure a “safer and more prosperous society” for future generations.

“Be assured that the entire Filipino nation is behind you as we advance the common good and pursue genuine reforms for our motherland,” he added.

Upon the President’s arrival, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana briefed him on newly-purchased firearms and ammunitions prepositioned at the Tejeros Hall.

The anniversary program also recognized outstanding personnel by conferring the Outstanding Achievement Award to Col. Joel Paloma of the Philippine Army and Lt. Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo of the Philippine Air Force.

Also present during the event were former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and former Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.