The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) successfully celebrated its first observance of the “Armed Forces of the Filipino People Week” last August 24 to 31 with a series of activities highlighting the heroism of the country’s troopers.

The event, which was themed “Sundalo, Tunay kang Bayani ng Mamamayang Filipino,” aimed to commemorate and pay tribute to past and present AFP members.

The revelry kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo on the 24th led by AFP Chief of Staff. Gen. Hernando Iriberri. It was simultaneously held in all AFP camps across the country.

For the week-long celebration, the public was invited to visit AFP units and bases to participate in the Information Awareness Drive which was launched to promote the duties of the organization to the Filipino people.

The AFP also showcased stories of gallantry through different exhibits held at AFP Museums in key services camps of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force.

The event capped off with a two-day recruitment activity and concert at the Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

The observance was in accordance with the Republic Act No. 10664 (An Act Declaring the Last Full Week of August as Armed Forces of the Filipino People Week) signed by President Benigno Aquino on July 6 of this year.

The law aims to “give due recognition to the important role and contribution of past and present Filipino Military Officers and personnel.”