Daily Tribune
Power to the navy On the 127th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on 20 May, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded the christening and commissioning of two newly acquired naval assets — the patrol gunboat BRP Albert Majini (PG909) and the guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06). Boarding the BRP Miguel Malvar for a tour, the President received a detailed briefing on the vessel’s cutting-edge capabilities. He also led conferment of awards to distinguished naval personnel and units in recognition of their exceptional service and dedication.
Photograph by YUMMIE DINGDING for the DAILY TRIBUNE/PPA pool
The Philippine Fleet has started the annual unilateral Exercise Pagbubuklod during a ceremony aboard the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD602) moored at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales, on 17 November 2025.
Exercise Pagbubuklod 15-25 is spearheaded by the Fleet Training and Doctrines Center headed by Captain Julius E. Valdez PN(GSC).
He said the exercise will run until November 21, highlighting the Fleet’s readiness, operational capability, and commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Orbe PN underscored that this “Pagbubuklod reminds us of a fundamental truth: our greatest strength is not measured by firepower alone, but by our unity of purpose and dedication to our duty. Through close coordination, mutual trust, and continuous training, we ensure that our fleet remains responsive, capable, and dependable in safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and maritime interests.”
“As we embark on this exercise, let us be guided by our enduring motto: ‘Mission first, Family always, God above all.’ Let this principle be our compass, reminding us why we train, why we serve, and why we must always strive for excellence,” added the PF Commander.
The exercise features in-port activities—Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, Mission Planning, Tabletop Exercises, and Field (at-Sea) Training Exercises—leading to advanced Field Training Exercises at sea designed to validate mission plans and enhance coordination and combat readiness.
Pagbubuklod 15-25 brings together Philippine Fleet units, naval assets, reservists, and supporting AFP components, including the Naval Air Warfare Force, Philippine Air Force, and Coastal Defense Regiment of the Philippine Marine Corps to strengthen interoperability across anti-surface, anti-subsurface, anti-air, and electronic warfare.
The exercise supports the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept and the AFP’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture by enhancing maritime domain awareness, testing multi-domain strategies, and optimizing joint-force capabilities. It also aligns with Sail Plan 2040’s goal of building a modern and credible naval force dedicated to protecting the country’s maritime interests and sovereignty.
