THE Philippine Army was formally established on March 22, 1897, by the Tejeros Convention with General Artemio Ricarte as its first Captain General. It traces its distinguished record to the battle at Mactan, Cebu, in April, 1521, when Filipino valor displayed its finest form as native inhabitants defended the country’s freedom against foreign invaders. The many rebellions that challenged colonial might climaxed by the Philippine Revolution (1896-1898) and the Filipino-American War honed the qualities that were the hallmarks of the officers and men who comprise the Philippine Army: Fighters for freedom, sentinels of the nation, models of the youth.
In World War II, the ill-equipped Philippine Army derailed the enemy’s time table of conquering Southeast Asia. This enabled the Allied countries to rebuild their forces and defeat the enemy in Asia. In various theaters of war after World War II, such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Army ably performed its role as instrument of peace and democracy.
Over and above its traditional mission of preserving the integrity and sovereignty of the state, the Philippine Army has also proven itself as a reliable and productive partner of the government in nationbuilding. It has been also a constant source of support and a wellspring of leadership for the youth of the nation.
We congratulate the Philippine Army officers and men headed by its Commanding General Lt. General Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. on the occasion of its 109th Anniversary.
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