President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the new Philippine Army chief to strengthen the force so it can defend the country and quickly respond to disasters.

Speaking at the 68th change of command ceremony of the Philippine Army in Taguig City on Tuesday, Marcos told Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran to keep the Army ready for any mission, especially during typhoons, floods and other calamities.

“Continue the mission. Preserve the Army’s strong sense of duty. Keep faith with our soldiers,” Marcos told Gumiran.

The President also directed the new Army chief to strengthen the soldiers’ ability to protect Philippine territory and support other branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Build a force capable of securing the land domain, supporting joint operations, and contributing fully to defending our sovereignty and asserting our territorial integrity,” Marcos said.

He also stressed that the Army must be ready to help Filipinos affected by disasters by reaching isolated communities, rescuing families and delivering food and other basic needs.

Marcos said Gumiran must also maintain discipline and integrity among soldiers and make sure all Army units follow the country’s defense priorities.

At the same time, the President emphasized the need to take care of soldiers and their families, saying they are the ones who carry out the Army’s missions.

“We will give you the tools to do your job, the support to do it well, and the confidence that the nation stands behind you,” Marcos said.

Gumiran rose from being a platoon leader to becoming commander of the Western Mindanao Command. He also studied at the US Army War College.

During the ceremony, Marcos also honored outgoing Army chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, who is now set to lead the entire AFP.

The President praised Nafarrete for strengthening the Army’s readiness, advancing its modernization and improving programs for the welfare and mental health of soldiers.

“You helped sharpen the Army’s operational edge while keeping it firmly grounded in its mandate to serve the Filipino people and defend our country,” Marcos said.

Nafarrete was also awarded the Distinguished Service Star and Command Plaque for his service.IMT