Philippines: Conferment of awards to brave AFP men, women highlights AFP 74th anniversary celebration Thursday.

Section: General News - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrates its 74th anniversary on Thursday with a series of activities highlighting the organization's milestones and achievements.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is also the AFP's commander-in-chief, will be the guest of honor and speaker during the celebration with the theme, "AFP: Kaisa, Kabalikat sa Pag-Unlad." To launch the AFP anniversary, a photo exhibit and band exhibition were organized in selected malls and strategic areas from December 15 to 24 to showcase photos of AFP efforts during the onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, which left hundreds of people dead and thousands of others homeless.

During those disasters, the AFP provided its military assets and capabilities -- from personnel to equipment -- to conduct rescue and retrieval operations.

Top AFP officials also visited and conducted a gift- giving activity to battle and non-battle casualties hospitalized at the V. Luna General Hospital in Quezon City on December 18. This was attended by no less than the AFP chief of staff, General Victor S. Ibrado, with Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin N. Bangit, Philippine Air Force commanding general Lt. Gen. Oscar H. Rabena, and Philippine Navy flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral …