SANGLEY POINT, Cavite City -- Vice President Sara Duterte has praised members of Philippine Navy and wished that more Filipinos would join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Patriotism holds a very special place in my heart. At malaki ang respeto ko sa mga Pilipino na katulad ninyo. Sumasaludo po ako sa inyo at taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong kabayanihan,” the Vice President said in her speech during the Naval Special Operations Command’s 66th founding year celebration today.

Duterte also said she wished many more Filipino youth would join any branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and other allied security forces.

“Alam ninyo, ang isa sa mga pangarap ko ay sana mas maraming kabataang Pilipino ang pumasok sa Philippine Navy o anumang sangay ng Armed Forces of the Philippines o maging sa Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology,” she said.

“Please allow me to reiterate this-- malaki ang respeto ko sa inyong lahat — katulad ng respeto ko sa lahat ng mga kasapi ng Armed Forces of the Philippines at Philippine National Police at iba pang grupo o indibidwal na nagkakaisa sa layunin na protektahan natin ang bansa at isulong ang katatagan at kaunlaran nito,” she added.

Duterte stressed that the members of the country’s security front have shown courage and love of country.

“Isa itong uri ng pagmamahal na hindi namamatay sa panahon na nahaharap tayo sa pagsubok,” she said.

“Isa itong pagmamahal na mas nag-aalab at mas umiinit sa tuwing tayo ay nakakaranas ng kahirapan,” she added.

The Vice President also underscored the significance of providing necessary support and trainings to the soldiers of the Naval Special Operations Command to upgrade their skills and capacities that would be beneficial in responding to security threats and defense management.

“We hope to continue to foster greater cooperation and strengthen security ties with other nations as we maintain that the Philippines is a friend to everyone,” she said.

OVP MEDIA