“The expenses that will be saved out of this will be dedicated to the continuing HADR,” said Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), referring to the military’s ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in areas hit by the typhoon.
Tutaan said the celebration is being “toned down to sympathize with the victims of the recent calamity.”
The program for the AFP’s 78th foundation anniversary will be held on Friday, a day ahead of the actual anniversary. President Benigno Aquino III, the military’s commander in chief, will be the guest of honor.
Tutaan said the military is foregoing with the traditional parade and review, which includes the fly-by of military aircraft.
“We want to save as much as possible so that we can dedicate it for our continuing HADR activities,” he said.
In a separate interview, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said there will be usual arrival honors for the President, singing of the national anthem, invocation, awarding of soldiers who excelled in their field, welcome remarks from AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and a message from Aquino.
He said the President will also inspect newly-delivered helicopters. The three AW 109 helicopters, intended for the use of the Philippine Navy, are part of the five aircraft acquired from an Anglo-Italian firm for P1.33 billion. — KBK, GMA News
