The Philippine Army marks its 113th anniversary on Monday with significant accomplishments and successes achieved for the nation amid the many challenges hurdled in the pursuit of its mission to bring peace and development, especially in the countryside.

President Arroyo is expected to grace the occasion as guest of honor and speaker. She will be joined by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Delfin Bangit.

The celebration carries the theme, “Philippine Army at Sambayanan: Magkabalikat sa Pagtataguyod ng Patuloy na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”

Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu said that the celebration’s theme “bespeaks of the many challenges Team Army hurdled in carrying out the magnanimous task of preserving sovereignty, protecting our people, securing the Republic, and pursuing the attainment of our mission for peace and development.”

“Over the years, the Army soldiers’ courage, commitment and dedication to duty have won countless battles for the cause of democracy and our desire for peace. Lives and limbs have been sacrificed but even these have not stopped us from fulfilling our mandate,” said Mapagu.

He added the celebration also comes at a time when the Army has reached a turning point in its 113 years of existence where it has come to the realization that battles are won not just through warfare or combat, but by winning the hearts and minds of the people.

“With this, the Army has introduced various peace and development initiatives in the communities with the end goal of providing an environment conducive for peace and progress,” according to the Army chief.