House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco is now a Lieutenant Colonel in the Reserve Force of the Philippine Army (PA).
Velasco took his oath and received his rank from PA chief
Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana during a ceremony held at the Army
headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on Wednesday.
“This ceremony is a clear recognition of both personal
achievement and commitment to duty. This ceremony rings of honor, and I am all
the more humbled, given the present circumstances,” Velasco said in a speech
after his oath-taking and donning of rank on him by Sobejana.
The House leader was all praise for the PA for its great
contributions to the society, especially in the wake of recent strong typhoons
and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
He hailed the PA as the country’s last line of defense in
the conduct of support to “win the peace” and help the nation create an
environment conducive for sustainable development, as well as just and lasting
peace.
“The Army has done its best even when equipped with limited
resources and are often faced with situations that are seemingly impossible to
overcome,” Velasco said.
He added: “The capacity to do great things and perform acts of valor, I believe, exists throughout your organization. May your heroism and courage inspire many others to choose a life of service to one’s country and fellow men.”
Velasco also conveyed Congress’ “deep respect and
admiration” to the PA.
“Know that you will always have our full support in any
endeavor and in any effort that will enhance and support our Philippine Army,”
Velasco told the PA.
“If there is one thing that we truly hold in common – it is
our desire for genuine peace in our country to prevail. Together, let us continue to help preserve
that peace for all Filipinos.” - House of Representatives
