Stronger self-reliant defense posture for Philippines sought

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro has asked legislators to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s modernization and the self-reliance posture of the Department of National Defense (DND).

Teodoro made the call during the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the swapping of properties within the AFP Visayas Command (Viscom) at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Barangay Apas, Cebu City last Thursday.

“I am happy to report that Congress has promised us two things. The amendment of the modernization law and the procurement law of the Armed Forces,” he said.

“Number two, the strengthening of our self-reliant defense program or posture. That means to say, we will be able to invest long-term as equity partners or as purchasers for locally manufactured defense goods and equipment,” he added.

The proposed amendments are not only envisioned to fortify the country’s defense capabilities, but also to invigorate economic growth and development, including providing a substantial boost to Cebu’s industries, according to the defense chief.

He urged legislators to expedite the legislative process of the amendments.

“So we encourage our legislators here today that we are waiting eagerly for these amendments by the end of the year, so that next year, we can start to leverage the talents and the abilities of the people of the province of Cebu,” Teodoro said.

The MOA for the swapping of land within the AFP Viscom was signed by AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner and provincial governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and was witnessed by DND Assistant Secretary for real estate and installations Emmanuel Anthony Ramos and Cebu Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III.

The MOA was approved by Teodoro.

The defense chief expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership between the AFP and the local government of Cebu, emphasizing the mutually beneficial nature of the agreement.

“This agreement is a synergistic agreement where everybody wins, because not only will Cebu regain what is rightfully hers, but the Armed Forces will also not lose because of the replication commitment of the province of Cebu,” he said.

Under the MOA, the province of Cebu will facilitate the relocation of the displaced units of Viscom into their new camp.

In addition, the provincial government will fund the construction of exact replicas of military structures and facilities of Viscom in their new camp to ensure the unhampered operations of the AFP.

“This kind of synergy between a province and the city, between a province and the Armed Forces, makes the job of the Armed Forces much, much easier,” Teodoro said.

“We have an important role to play here, not only in maintaining internal peace and security in Central Philippines, but for the Armed Forces, it will remain as a principal logistical hub where we need its location to service all our units as we expand outwards,” he added.