ISABELA – Gov. Rodito Albano III of this province has a positive view on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) expansion.
“The EDCA expansion will be a driver of progress and development, hopefully, in Isabela and the entire region and we should make the most out of it,” said Albano who is also the chairman of the Regional Development Council in Region 2.
The governor expressed his side during the 126th meeting of the Regional Development Council on Wednesday, April 12, at the Capitol Amphitheater in Ilagan City, Isabela.
Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu, Isabela the seat of the Philippine Army 5th Infantry Division, is among the four new locations for EDCA announced by Malacañang on April 3.
The two others are Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana and Lal-lo International Airport in Cagayan province and Balabac Island in Palawan.
Albano believed that the EDCA site in Isabela could strengthen military capabilities and accelerate its modernization.
He said it could also boost disaster preparedness and response and provide a big help in humanitarian and relief operations during emergencies and natural disasters.
“I am optimistic that EDCA will boost the province and the region economically, as we plan to seek their intervention in accessing our vast and resource-rich Eastern Seaboard and coastal municipalities which are very close to the Benham Rise,” said Albano.
He also cited that the province could make use of the US military forces’ advanced technology and equipment in infrastructure development, enhancement of connectivity through internet upgrade, and satellite establishments.
The governor also recognized the position of other provinces like in Cagayan.
Albano said people worry that EDCA positioning in Isabela and Cagayan may endanger them once hostilities between two warring nations erupt.
“As to the speculation that war will break out between China and the United States, it is my position that it will never happen because of what we call, the theory of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD),” said Albano.