He said that patriotism is the creative force that runs through the arteries of a nation, thus, the Philippines needs many more patriots.

"In a society that has been rendered jaded by cynicism, patriotism does not ring a bell. It is only a word, a mere sound signifying nothing. But for those who literally put their lives on the line and whose education puts emphasis on love of country above self, patriotism is so real to ignore and overlook. Patriotism is their way of life," he said.

The Senate President said that patriotism is what animates the Filipino soldier and it was love of country that empowered a young Filipino general from Bulacan to make a gallant stand in Tirad Pass against the superior firepower of the unwelcomed colonial forces.

The same fervor was also in the hearts of the Filipino soldiers who took a Spartan stand in the defense of Bataan and Corregidor, he said.

Villar said that today's fighters against insurgency and terrorism are as patriotic as the past generations of soldiers because even if the terrain and tactics have changed, the substance of patriotism remains.

"Love of country is as relevant and necessary today as it was when our forebears fought for emancipation from oppressive colonial rule. In this age of globalization, patriotism should not lose its meanings. Patriotism should not be myopic and unmindful of the need to be interconnected to a bigger world," he said.

Villar pointed out that patriotism and a global outlook are not mutually exclusive since they are not contradictory and patriots are not blind to the shortcomings and failures of their mission and they want to learn from the mistakes of the past.

"They place the good of the country above ethnic, regional and personal interests," he said.

Villar also challenged the PMA alumni to uphold professionalism, sense of duty, honor and country, which are fundamental virtues cherished in the premier military institution in Asia.

He said that soldiers may have their own political views and preferences but the free exercise of their political right must still be guided by a code of impartiality.

For the sake of democracy and the nation, Villar said that the military organization as a whole must rise above the noise and the tug-of-war in politics and must be stabilizing force by refusing to be infected by the destructive virus of partisanship.