Aquino cites PH Navy for securing West Philippine Sea

President Benigno Aquino lll troops the line during the Commisioning Ceremony of the newly aquired Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV) Tarlac. Philippine Navy commemorate it’s 118th Founding anniversary on June 1, 2016 at Pier 13, south Harbor, Manila with the theme ” Protecting the Seas, Securing our future”. INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

WITH only 29 days left in office, President Aquino on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the Philippine Navy, especially for guarding the West Philippine Sea as the country continues to defend its maritime rights against China’s expansionism in the South China Sea.

The President graced the 118th founding anniversary of the Philippine Navy, his last major military event as commander in chief and led the ceremonies commissioning four new vessels, including the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), the biggest ship in the Navy’s fleet.

“As much as government has reinvigorated your service command, you matched it with optimum service to our bosses, the Filipino people—from focusing on our internal security, to the heightened patrols and securing our territory, particularly the West Philippine Sea, and to assisting our bosses especially in times of tragedies and calamities. The Philippines faced problems one on top of another but you matched it with your knowledge, skill and courage. On behalf of every Filipino you kept calm and away from harm: thank you very much,” President Aquino said in Filipino.

Turning a little bit nostalgic, the President said he only has 29 days left in office and reiterated that it was an honor to have led the Navy, and to have served the Filipino people honestly and with dignity.

“To the end of my days, I will never forget this time when the Armed Forces of the Philippines lived up to its mandate and showed admirable service and concern for the people and country. I am confident that if we continue with the path we have taken, the service given to you and the service you will give our country will even be greater,” President Aquino said.

Aside from the BRP Tarlac, also commissioned into the Navy fleet were three landing craft heavy vessels that were christened after indigenous groups and tribes in the country: BRPs Waray (LC 288), Iwak (LC 289) and Agta (LC 290).

But clearly, the star of on Wednesday’s show was BRP Tarlac, named after the President’s hometown and one of the provinces that revolted against Spain during the revolution. It was also modeled after the Makassar-class Landing Platform Dock of the Indonesian Navy.

The brand new 7,200 gross ton strategic sealift vessel (SSV) was built in Indonesia for P1.9 billion. The other SSV will be delivered to the Navy next year.