Thirty-seven newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), along with a newly commissioned officer from a Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institution (FPCTI), took their oath of office before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in a ceremony held at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday.

In his address, Marcos urged the officers to lead with integrity and serve as responsible stewards of the nation’s resources. 

He reminded them that their higher rank comes with greater responsibilities, especially in a period of complex threats, rising geopolitical tensions, and heightened security concerns.

“More than your role as the protectors of our nation, you must also be among the faithful stewards who guard public resources,” the President said. “Be among those who ensure that every peso translates into capability, preparedness, and integrity.”

He recognized the AFP’s accomplishments over the past year in protecting Philippine waters, responding to calamities, sustaining peace and security, and strengthening international defense partnerships through joint exercises and interoperability initiatives.

The Chief Executive also highlighted the government’s commitment to the welfare of the AFP, noting the recent signing of the P6.793 trillion National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 and the December order updating base pay and increasing the subsistence allowance for military and uniformed personnel.

“Ang halaga ng isang tunay na pinuno ay nasusukat sa tamang asal at magandang halimbawa na kaniyang ipinapakita, hindi sa taas ng kaniyang ranggo (The value of a true leader is measured by the right conduct and good example they demonstrate, not by the height of their rank),” Marcos added, stressing that leadership is measured by example, not rank.

Marcos likewise acknowledging the families of the officers, calling them the “silent pillars and steadfast support” of every member of the armed forces and expressing prayers for their safety and well-being.

Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly promoted officers paid a courtesy call to AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo. 

Brawner reminded the officers that their new ranks are not merely rewards for past achievements but responsibilities earned through years of dedication and sacrifice.

“The ranks you now wear are not simply rewards for past achievements; they are responsibilities entrusted to you. You must lead with humility, serve with gratitude, and always remember that success in the profession of arms is never achieved alone,” General Brawner said.

The highest-ranking among the newly promoted officers is Lieutenant General Donald Gumiran, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command. During the ceremony, 2nd Lieutenant Rafael Cecilio Muñoz also took his oath after graduating from the United States Military Academy. General Brawner encouraged him to serve with integrity wherever duty takes him. 

Brawner stressed that success in the AFP is not defined solely by attaining a high rank, but by how to serve the nation and the people. 

“You do not have to become a general to be successful in the service. What matters most is giving your best in every assignment and serving with integrity wherever duty takes you,” he said.