May 24, 2024 (Manila) – Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. led the anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy (PN) at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, where he laid out the trajectory of the ongoing transformation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to effectively guarantee the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“The evolution of the Philippine Navy is not geared solely towards naval power, but as a component of a joint defense and military power to create a credible and strong deterrent force, in order to protect our sovereign rights, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” Secretary Teodoro said. 

He further underscored the importance of ongoing training and evaluation to guarantee the effective use of procured assets and capabilities. He highlighted the need for realistic training scenarios that test the full potential of the AFP. 

“We have evolved a realistic training scenario with evolutionary hypothetical scenarios where we can actually test our capabilities, which is not only what we need to be doing as an armed force, but it is also in deference to the billions of pesos spent by our countrymen,” the Defense Chief said.

Secretary Teodoro urged the AFP to work collectively towards national stability and progress, emphasizing the crucial role of developing the country’s total defense posture to guarantee the resources in our exclusive economic zone and other areas where the Philippines has jurisdiction in order to sustain the future generation of Filipinos.

“I am sure you will not waver and you will not fail your countrymen. We will continue, once again, I repeat, to demand more and more of you, but that is what you are in uniform for,” said Secretary Teodoro.

The Philippine Navy, led by Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., is celebrating their 126th Founding Anniversary with the theme, “PN @126: Toward a Modern Naval Force Capable of Securing the State and Contributing to Regional Peace.