The Presidential Security Group held the VIPPC Class 128-2022 graduation yesterday and it was graced by the First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines, Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos.
The First Lady conveyed a meaningful message to the graduates and to all the PSG troopers present which we are proud to share with all of you.
Here is the full transcript:
Good morning to you all
➢ To the members of the graduating class of the Very Important Person Protection Course (VIPPC), Batch “MAHARLIKA”, Class 128-2022
➢ To the staff of the PSG training school
➢ To the other members of the PSG present here today
➢ And of course, to the relatives and guests of the graduating students
Again, a pleasant morning to all of you.
I am here today because 4 days ago, your Commander, Col. Ramon Zagala, personally went to my office and invited me to speak before you today.
Siyempre . . . how can I say “no” to your PSG Commander? Ka be-birthday din lang niya so dapat good vibes diba?
My husband is now attending the State funeral of former President Fidel Ramos. I wish he were here though to tell you himself what he thinks of the PSG. He would always tell me – in no uncertain terms — that the PSG is our country’s pride and joy . . . that you are the elite group of women and men . . . that you are experts in your field . . . and that you are the “best and the brightest”.
Ako . . . hanggang ROTC training lang sa high school . . . so military matters are not my field of expertise. But if my husband says that you are the “best and the brightest” and after I saw how you trained today, I am now a convert.
Thank you for taking care of my husband –- your Commander in Chief – and my 3 sons. Thank you also for taking care of me. Allow me to take this opportunity to convey my sincere appreciation for all you have done and continue to do to protect us.
Thank you also for protecting our former Presidents, our visiting heads of states, heads of governments and other VIP guests of our country.
I am honored to be a part of this milestone in your life. As you know, the PSG is one of the groups that the President and the First Family work very closely with. One of the reasons why we are able to perform our functions properly is because we know that you are there to keep us safe.
The rigors of training under the Very Important Person Protection Course (VIPPC) in the past months covered varied aspects of operations such as:
1. Marksmanship
2. Close-in security
3. Security Task Action Group
4. Combatives, physical fitness and field training exercises
I commend your mentors for a carefully-crafted series of modules.
As your speaker this morning, allow me to impart some inputs that may be of use to you as you embark on your career journey as security and escort providers to your Commander-in Chief, his family and other dignitaries.
Now that you have completed the VIPPC, you possess the skills of highly proficient members of the PSG. This honor is not accorded to everyone. I hope you guard this distinction with respect and kindness towards others, while maintaining a high degree of professionalism.
After today, you will no longer be representatives of your respective units, but you now represent the Office of the President. Much will be expected from you, so always keep in mind the basic tenets of honor, patriotism, and duty.
May you always protect the President and all those who you have sworn to protect.
Sama sama tayo . . . babangon muli!
Maraming maraming salamat at mabuhay tayong lahat!
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos