INTRODUCTION

"The present role of the Philippine Army is multi-layered and expanding. It is a professional organization that has taken on various roles beyond the traditional functions of security and defense, to include community service and nation building. It is working to improve its organization and capability, seeking ways to stay true to its vision while coping with its expanding role in contemporary Philippines. "

The Philippine Army soldier is bound to his country. He is united with all other Filipinos in having one dream, one common aspiration to better one's self individually and as part of the collective, for the benefit of self, family, country and society. In his army career, he is one with a bigger organization that is protecting the country. His service is far more than a job or an ordinary vocation; it is a noble calling, committing his life to a path of untold dimensions, asking more of him than of any other citizen of his country.

The Philippine Army soldier is no mercenary. A strong sense of nationalist pride pervades his every thought even if not easily seen by the ordinary citizen. For such service also exacts utmost humility, because of the potential strength that can be unleashed as required by the commitment to serve the country. While such nationalism is initially nurtured in school, it is further enhanced when one enters the service because, unlike any ordinary Filipino, the soldier develops his own steadfast and selfless commitment to the defense of the motherland that is continually reinforced and validated as the soldier faces the unique challenges in his career. With belief in his country and being true to his calling, each soldier becomes an effective combat force in the face of new or continuing threats to both national and international security and stability. Thus, in the face of any challenge, the Philippine Army and its soldiers act as one. Each Filipino soldier serves an ideal larger than himself, where even his own life is at stake. His commitment to serve is his life's top priority, and his selfless service becomes the minimum standard of his performance of duty. The professional soldier is part of the entire Philippine society; yet it is more, for he holds a sacred covenant to protect that society.

The Philippine Army is part of the established authority, and the soldier, a part of the national identity. Administrations may pass, governments and societies may change but the Philippine Army endures to preserve and protect the sovereignty and integrity of the country. While the soldier is part of society and is bound to others by strong Lies of blood and friendship, and conditioned by Philippine culture, norms and tendencies, the soldier rises above the rest. He honors his nationalistic heritage as he takes the lead in believing in his country, defending ideals in the arena of hearts and minds, taking up arms when necessary, risking his life and that of his own fellow soldiers, and even sacrificing his own to attain his mission.

The Philippine Army is totally dedicated to service to the country and carries a Code of Values that constantly reinforces and as5ures that, for as long as this exists in the soldier, the country will remain sovereign in its own right. Clearly, honoring the Philippine Army's core values and meeting its exacting standards of conduct are the essence of the fulfillment of the soldier's noble path of duty for love of his country. Each citizen in the service of the Army, in whatever capacity, intuitively undertakes to follow value-based rules as the necessary backbone of the overall effectiveness of the Philippine Army.