The Department of National Defense (DND) got a solid backing from the Congress after the latter vowed to support its modernization and Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) programs.
DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said this could translate to possible amedments to modernization and procurement laws for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) along with efforts to bolster the country’s SRDP.
"I am happy to report that the Congress has promised us two things. The amendment of the modernization law and the procurement law of the Armed Forces,” Teodoro shared during the recent signing of a memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the land swapping of properties within the AFP Visayas Command (VISCOM) at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City.
“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 invigorate economic growth and development, including providing a substantial boost to Cebu's industries.
The defense chief urged the 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 stated.
Meanwhile, the MOA signed by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia seeks to 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.
"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," Teodoro said.