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