Lorenzana reminds personnel of the importance of national security

National security is paramount, says Defense Chief Lorenzana

MANILA – In time for the celebration of the country’s 123rd Independence Day, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana reminded the members of the “One Defense Team” of the importance of being part of the Defense establishment.

“Securing our country in all fronts, from the outside and from within, is the essence of our existence,” said Defense Secretary Lorenzana during the flag ceremony held to start the weeklong celebration.

He said they are mandated to secure the entire archipelago, from the Mavulis Island, Philippine Rise, West Philippine Sea and other islets in the southern part of the country.

More than 1,000 personnel, field offices and units from the Department and its bureaus, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Government Arsenal, National Defense College of the Philippines, Office of Civil Defense and the Philippine Veterans Office, took part during the online ceremony with the theme “Kalayaan 2021: Diwa ng Kalayaan sa Pagkakaisa at Paghilom ng Bayan,’ a first in the Department.

A flag ceremony was held this morning at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo and attended by Secretary Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana, DND officials and staff, and officers and personnel of the AFP observing minimum health protocols. (Melo M. Acuña)

Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana lead DND and AFP officials during the flag-raising rites this morning to mark the country's 123rd Independence Day Anniversary. (DND Photos)