During the previous year, we steadily continued to institute critical initiatives to improve the way we perform and fight. We made these measures in line with the priorities set in the Philippine Defense Reform Program. All of these efforts intend to forward-deploy resources to the fighting men in the field so we can progressively enhance our operational readiness and military proficiency to defeat our enemies.

This year, we will pursue these reform initiatives with even greater fervor and urgency. I thus exhort everyone to remain focused and committed. As in any reform initiative, we will experience the heat of short-term inconveniences. But I enjoin everyone to look beyond the birth pain of change. Instead, we must capture the chance presented by our transformation to better our craft and institute long-term improvements in the organization. I have no doubt that we can accomplish this by working together as one solid team.

Now more than ever, the AFP stands at the crossroads of change and reform. I call on the Filipino Solider to be resilient in his adherence to the highest standards of professionalism. I call on him to be unwavering in our defense of the Constitution and the Filipino democratic way of life. We must remain vigilant against the forces of hatred, destructive partisanship, and corruption.

The AFP shall be more than just a fighting force. It shall continue to be a force for peace. It shall not be just an instrument for national security. It shall continue to be an instrument for positive change and progress. It shall continue to be an institution of democracy and for democracy.