Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete has urged the next generation of military leaders to strengthen their leadership, professional competence, and readiness to confront evolving national defense and security challenges.
Nafarrete delivered the message to 203 officers of the Command and General Staff Course (CGSC) Class 77-2026 during the CGSC Army Day held at the Education and Training Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
In his keynote remarks, Nafarrete said the Philippine Army remains committed to developing officers who can lead effectively in complex operational environments.
He said activities such as Army Day help expose officers to the realities of modern military operations, including the role of technology, innovation, doctrine, and leadership in strengthening the force.
“This is why activities such as this Army Day are extremely important. The static displays, the discussions, and the presentations you have witnessed today are part of a larger effort to prepare you for the realities of modern operations,” Nafarrete said.
“You must appreciate how technology, innovation, doctrine, and leadership come together to strengthen our capability as a force,” he added.
The CSGC Class 77 opened in April and will run for six months. It is designed to prepare officers for higher staff and command responsibilities within the military organization.
The course focuses on leadership, staff management, military joint warfighting functions, and planning in joint, combined, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational environments.
The class is composed of 88 officers from the Philippine Army, 35 from the Philippine Navy, 32 from the Philippine Air Force, 25 from the Technical Administrative Service, 10 reservists, and 13 international military students.
Nafarrete encouraged the officers to maximize their training, think beyond routine solutions, and strengthen their ability to work with others.
“I encourage you to maximize your time in this course. Challenge yourselves to think beyond routine solutions. Strengthen your ability to work with others. Develop the confidence to lead in complex and demanding environments,” he said.
He also reminded the officers to remain guided by duty, honor, and patriotism as they prepare for larger responsibilities in the service.
“Our people deserve a Philippine Army that is professional, competent, and committed to the defense of the nation,” Nafarrete said.
The Army said continuous professional development remains essential in ensuring that its officers are equipped with the knowledge, discipline, and leadership skills needed to protect the country and its people.