By Robina Asido

ZAMBALES -- The Philippine Navy marked its 127th founding anniversary with the formal christening and commissioning of its brand new capabilities in a ceremony led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Naval Operating Base in Subic Bay on Tuesday.

The christening and commissioning rites of a guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar and a missile capable Fast Attack Interdiction Craft BRP Albert Majini was also witnessed by defense and military officials including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta and others.

In his speech, Marcos noted that the commissioning of the newly acquired vessels shows that the Philippine Navy is "modernizing, evolving and is ready to conduct more complex and effective operations in promoting the country’s national interest."

"More than just acquiring new equipment, this modernization is also about empowering the Philippine Navy with the necessary skills, knowledge, tools, and sustainment that would safeguard our nation’s interest," he said.

"This includes the expansion of our footprint in critical areas, beginning with the groundbreaking at Naval Station Nabasan, and continuing with Chiquita and Grande Islands. We are also establishing the Naval Support Base in Misamis Oriental so that Sangley Point can be devoted to other uses. These efforts form part of our strategy to bolster our national defense," he added.

Ezpeleta said the Philippine Navy has ''come a long way from the hoisting of the Philippine flag at the top mast of a revolutionary vessel in 1898". He added that the "Navy has steadily grown into a force that is ever prepared to protect the country."

"Our readiness has become even more crucial in navigating the present security environment filled with urgent challenges related to the development in our seas. We have been progressively undertaking actions to attain a holistic defense posture that secures the whole Philippine archipelago and our exclusive economic zone. This is anchored in a comprehensive archipelago defense concept," he said.

"As we commemorate our 127th anniversary, there is clarity on what we must do moving forward, and that is to uphold our mandate of asserting our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction. Let us stay on course and remain full speed ahead," he added.

Marcos also stressed that "in every mission, the Navy proves that maritime strength is measured by the character, clarity of mission, and the commitment of those who serve".

"That same commitment to duty was clearly seen in the West Philippine Sea and in other maritime outposts. The Navy personnel serve as peacekeepers both in land and in sea?remaining as steadfast as ever in upholding our nation’s maritime entitlements with dignity and with courage," he said.

"Despite the tension in our region, the Philippine Navy remains stable. We stand firm. We will never tolerate any act of disrespect against our sovereignty. We will continue to safeguard our maritime zones and exercise our maritime entitlements, in accordance with international law. We will not give up and abandon anything.

During the event, Marcos unveiled the name of BRP Miguel Malvar and witnessed the capability demonstration onboard the ship.

Navy public affairs chief Capt. John Percie Alcos said BRP Miguel Malvar, named after the last Filipino general to surrender during the Philippine-American War, arrived from South Korea on April 4, 2025.

Equipped for anti-ship, anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and electronic warfare systems, BRP Miguel Mavar, a 118-meter vessel features advanced sensors and weapons systems and is designed for long-range, multi-role combat operations.

Alcos said the second unit of the Navy's guided-missile frigate from South Korea which will be named BRP Diego Silang is set to arrive in the first week of September.

On the other hand, BRP Albert Majini, the eighth Acero-class Fast Attack Interdiction Craft, the first locally assembled missile-capable patrol vessel in the country was named after a Medal of Valor awardee Ensign Albert Majini to honor his gallantry during anti piracy operations in Basilan in 1980.

Alcos said it is built for rapid interdiction and coastal operations under the PN’s Littoral Combat Force.

"The commissioning of these two platforms strengthens the Philippine Navy’s capacity to address current and emerging maritime challenges, bolstering its role in national defense and regional stability," he said. DMS