Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete has underscored the critical role of military healthcare in keeping troops mission-ready, calling it a “strategic necessity” in sustaining the Army’s fighting force.
Nafarrete made the statement during a recognition ceremony for exemplary Army medical personnel at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on June 30, 2026.
The Army Chief led the ceremony honoring outstanding medical personnel and units for their contributions to the health, welfare, and operational readiness of soldiers.
Awards were given to top-performing officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource personnel from the Medical Corps, Medical Administrative Corps, and Veterinary Corps, as well as the Army’s leading military treatment facilities.
Held under the theme “Enhancing Military Health Service and Strategic Partnership for National Security,” the ceremony recognized the awardees for clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and compassion in caring for troops and their dependents.
Nafarrete reaffirmed the Army Command’s full support for the continued modernization of the medical service, as well as the professionalization and human capital development of its personnel.
“Military healthcare is not merely a supportive function; it is a strategic necessity,” Nafarrete said.
“Every life you save, every wound you heal, and every preventive health measure you implement strengthens the spine of our fighting force,” he added.