Marcos says he learned brotherhood from Marines

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday committed to improve the Philippine Marine Corps as he vowed continued support to the entire military force.

This as he graced the 72nd Philippine Marine Corps Birthday ceremony held in Taguig City.

"Let me assure you that the government remains firm and committed to enhancing the Marine Corps by means of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) modernization. We use the resources to provide each of you the support that will help you fulfil your responsibilities, realize your full potential and to achieve success in your mission," Marcos said in his speech.

"As the leader of our nation and your commander in chief, I assure you of my full support for the continued success of the AFP and the Marine Corps," Marcos added.

Marcos also recalled the time in which he became part of the Marines and that he learned the value of camaraderie and brotherhood during his stint there.

"It was a very pleasant surprise to relive the time that I spent with the Marines and it was really the beginning of my time in the military and it is a time that I found that I was a little intimidated to go... mahirap itong mga Marines, masyadong... they are tough," said the President.

"Again 'yung sinabi ko doon sa interview, the Marines taught me that even if you think, you cannot manage it, if you dig deep, you will be able to. That is just one of the many many lessons I learned when I spent time with the Philippine Marines Corps and in the military... The other invaluable lesson is the lesson of camaraderie which I have not found anywhere else outside of the military... that form of camaraderie and brotherhood... that is formed between people who live together, who would fight together, who bleed together, it's a different kind of camaraderie, a different form of brotherhood," he added.

Marcos commended the Marines' efforts through the years as they secure and foster peace in the Philippines and respond during times of calamities.

"It began when you fought the communist armed forces in the 1950s, you have also defended the nation from terrorists and separatists groups in the succeeding years," Marcos said.

Marcos thanked the Marines for always going above and beyond as he also expressed confidence that they would be able to protect the Philippines from all threats and promote the national interest for the benefits of all.

"I hope that you will continue to demonstrate exemplary service and nationalism as you have always shown throughout your history. may you pass on these virtues to the next generation of Marines," Marcos said.

"We will work harmoniously towards our collective goal of serving the Filipino people, asserting our sovereignty as well as defending the country’s territorial integrity," he added.—LDF, GMA News