Aquino lauds AFP for austere celebration

TONED DOWN. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) holds an austere celebration for their 76th Anniversary in Camp Aguinaldo. (Photo by Team AFP)

MANILA, Philippines – As it celebrated its 76^th anniversary in a more austere manner, President Aquino lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for responding to calls for help for victims of Tropical Storm Sendong, as well as keeping up to its missions to defend the country and maintaining a “professional” military force.

“In behalf of the entire Filipino nation, let me thank you for your efforts and sacrifices,” Aquino said in his speech during a ceremony at the Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011.

AFP Chief Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa said that he anniversary celebration has been “toned down” with key units participating in the parade have been deployed to the Army’s 4^th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, to serve as assets in on-going relief operations for “Sendong” victims.

The traditional display of combat and engineering capabilities, including the fly-by of 31 aircraft from the three major services, as well as the AFP Ball, have all been scrapped.

Earlier, the 80,000-strong Philippine Army donated their one-day subsistence allowance amounting to P7.2 million for the victims of the flashflood.

“Everything we could save from holding this modest anniversary celebration will be sent to the victims of the calamity,” Dellosa said in Filipino.

To repay for the “sacrifices” of the soldiers, the President assured that the government will continue to work on improving their benefits particularly housing for their respective families and education for their children.

“The government is determined to look after your and your families’ welfare,” The President said. – Rapper.com