Thank you to our secretary, Secretary Popong Felix. [Please take your seats.]

Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr.; Naval Operations Commander Dwight Steven Dulnoan; Department of National Defense Usec. Irineo Espino – another old comrade from the old days; Cavite City Mayor Denver Chua; the officers, enlisted personnel; the awardees and members of the NAVSOCOM; fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

I am one with the valiant men and women of the Naval Special Operations Command in celebrating your 67th Founding Anniversary.

I congratulate all the officers and members of the NAVSOCOM for closing yet another meaningful chapter in your long and decorated history.

As an elite unit of the Philippine Navy, the extensive counter-terrorism training and operations that you have conducted against terrorist groups and other lawless elements, including rescue missions that have greatly supported the AFP’s internal security efforts, especially in southern Philippines.

NAVSOCOM has also contributed to our efforts to curb smuggling [and] other illegal activities at sea so we can watch over the vast littoral area that needs to be covered.

More impressive still, through it all, you have embodied grit, fortitude, and courage in ensuring peace, order, and progress in the country.

For your commitment to serve and to safeguard the Filipino people, I express my deep and heartfelt gratitude. [applause]

As we move now from focusing on ensuring internal security for the country, we now have to bolster the country’s external defenses. And I exhort the DND and the AFP to maximize and strategically review the deployment of our forces to ensure that their strategies remain responsive to the current and future geopolitical realities.

Let us also continue harnessing the skills of our specialized units in preparing for all contingencies. The NAVSOCOM, with its expertise in Sea, Air, and Land or SEAL operations, must be utilized to support naval defense and enhance maritime security.

I still remember our operators pero hindi pa SEAL noon, UOU pa lang noon. They were the members of the Underwater Operations Unit na sumasama sa amin kapag kami’y lumalakad. And I have met many of them nag-uusap kami nang matagal. And I very well understand the high standards that are set by the then UOU, now SEAL, and now NAVSOCOM for the elite operators of NAVSOCOM to be able to fulfill their mission.

I also enjoin the Navy to strengthen the unit’s capabilities by partnering with forces from like-minded states to uphold our shared commitment to freedom of navigation, peace and stability, and the rule of law.

To this end, allow me to recognize our awardees for their excellent performance and significant contribution to the Navy and to the country. I urge you to continue honing your skills and serve as exemplars not just as NAVSOCOM personnel but as public servants.

Rest assured that this administration remains firm in its commitment to strengthen NAVSOCOM’s capabilities through the acquisitions under the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

We will likewise support you in implementing programs to enhance your knowledge and skill as well as ensure your welfare and equally important your family’s well-being.

Together, let us bring stability, peace, and prosperity in our lands and in our seas, all the while standing as a wellspring of hope to our present and our next generations.

Malaki po ang papel na ginagampanan ng inyong institusyon sa pagsulong ng isang Bagong Pilipinas sa ating panahon ngayon.

Inaasahan ko ang inyong patuloy na pakikilahok at suporta sa adhikaing ito.

Muli, binabati ko ang NAVSOCOM sa pagdiriwang ng inyong ika-animnapu’t pitong anibersaryo!

Mabuhay kayong lahat! Mabuhay ang NAVSOCOM! Mabuhay ang Armed Forces of the Philippines! Maraming salamat at magandang hapon sa inyo. [applause]

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