Celebrating 80 years of service with the DND

On Nov. 20, 2019, the Department of National Defense celebrated its 80th founding anniversary at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City where none other than President Rodrigo Duterte was the guest of honor and speaker for the event.

National security is at the top of everyone’s mind nowadays and rightfully so as the battlefield as we call it has certainly evolved. The commitment to defend and uphold our nation’s territory and integrity is the focus of the defense agency, and the theme “A United Department for a Safe and Peaceful Nation” highlights the importance of all bureaus under the DND, to keep united and defend our country against foreign and local threats.

In his speech, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana thanked the President for his unfeigned concern for military personnel including our veterans. The deep and relentless interest of our Commander in Chief has not only helped our forces in active duty, but more so their families especially the widows and children left behind.

It is in this regard that our active forces are ever so inspired to continue giving their all to protect and defend our motherland. Our veterans on the other hand receive dignified support in both subsidy and medical purposes.

During the ceremony, President Duterte presented the Outstanding Achievement Medal on Col. Joel Paloma of the Philippine Army and Lt. Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo of the Philippine Air Force.

Under the direction of Col. Paloma the Army was inducted into the Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame which is deemed as the highest standard for strategic performance management.

On the other hand, Col. Castillo of the Philippine Air Force was awarded for her achievement as project manager of the development of the VVIP Flight Operations Handbook, being the first ever published book which serves as a detailed guide for pilots and crew of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing in the conduct of critical and delicate flight operations for the Philippine President, the First Family, visiting heads of state, local and foreign dignitaries, and other Very Important Persons.

The Department of National Defense is responsible for guarding against external and internal threats to peace and security in the country. It is also in charge of disaster preparation and management .The DND was formally organized on Nov. 1, 1939, pursuant to Executive Order No. 230 of President Manuel Quezon. Happy anniversary to the Department of National Defense, thank you for your service and a snappy salute to you all.