Navy Chief affirms commitment to the defense of country

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Wednesday, 23 September 2009

“Your Navy today remains committed to the defense of a united archipelagic Philippines and the security of our maritime economy.” This was the assurance given by Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy to students of Miriam College, Quezon City during a lecture on “Philippines: A Maritime Power” on 22 September 2009.

This commitment according to the Navy Chief is anchored on the Navy vision as enunciated in the PN Strategic Sail Plan: that “by 2020, the Navy shall be strong and credible that the Philippines as a maritime nation can be proud of.” “This Sail Plan,” Admiral Golez adds, “serves as a blueprint for evolving towards a more responsive maritime institution that can address the needs of the Navy’s various stakeholders.”

Admiral Golez expounded on the Navy’s three traditional roles: military, constabulary, and diplomatic. He also cited the Navy’s efforts in Mindanao. “At this time, as I speak before you, your Navy is out there principally in the Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi archipelago leading the way as the main security force in that part of the country. As envisioned, we aim to attain genuine peace in this area in Mindanao as a prelude to its progress and development,” he said.

Admiral Golez also cited tha Navy’s recent involvement in humanitarian mission where the Navy was the main effort during the search and rescue oeprations in the sinking of Super Ferry 9. He also cited Navy ship BRP Quezon, PS 70 which delievered diesel fuel for Napocor in the island province of Batanes, as well as transported basic commodities for residents in the area. “If the Navy can lead the way in these representative areas of our country, there is no reason why we will not be as relevant for the entire nation,” Vice Admiral Golez declared.

The lecture is part of the celebration of the College of International, Humanitarian and Development Studies (CIHDS) Week of Miriam College. Dr Leticia Ramos Shahani, Dean of CIHDS and one of the authors of the PN Strategic Sail Plan 2020 invited Admiral Golez to deliver a lecture before students of the College.

Part of the FOIC, PN’s lecture was the screening of the Navy instituitonal videos to introduce the Navy to the students. The PMC Quartet Band wowed the students with their song numbers. Joining the FOIC, PN are Maj Gen Juancho Sabban, Commandant, Philippine Marine Corps, Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez, Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue, Chief of Naval Staff, and officers and enlisted personnel from the Fleet-Marine units in the Manila-Cavite area.