The Philippines and the United States have plotted their alliance for the next decade that focused on protecting sovereignty, achieving economic security and boosting existing partnerships in various areas.
The development came following the high-level talks—called 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in Washington, D.C. mid-April—between officials of both sides, who expressed concern over developments across the world.
Among those present in the dialogues were: Philippine Department of National Defense Officer-in-Charge Carlito Galvez, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and US Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken.
So what strategies will the Philippines and the US adopt, according to their joint statement?
Defense
In the defense field, Manila and Washington expect to adopt a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap in the coming months as it will guide the shared defense modernization investments and inform the delivery of priority platforms over the next 5 to 10 years.
It will also identify areas for capacity-building to enhance the Philippines' core institutions and support security sector governance, according to the joint statement of both countries.
The two sides also saw the need to expedite the Philippine acquisition of "a fleet of multi-role fighter aircraft" for its Air Force and medium lift helicopters using the additional $100 million in Foreign Military Financing from the US.
The Philippines and the US pushed to accelerate the operationalization of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites as Washington's funding for its infrastructure projects is expected to breach USD100 million by the end of fiscal year 2023.
Later this year, troops of both sides may resume their joint patrols in the South China Sea as plans for maritime activities are being finalized.
The Philippines and the US have recently become "mindful of the growing complexity of the Indo-Pacific security environment," so they aimed to modernize their alliance.
They also cited China's covert activities in the South China Sea, including reclamation, that interfere not only the operations of Philippine authorities but also of local fisherfolk.
Then, they urged China to comply with international laws and agreements that affirm the Philippines' sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, a part of the bigger South China Sea, and restrain activities in the high seas.
Economy
Both sides will continue advancing the shared agenda for inclusive and sustainable economic growth through modernizing infrastructure, digital economy, enhanced agricultural productivity, promotion of renewable energy and green technologies, and enhanced food and energy security.
They will also collaborate in building resilient supply chains and safeguarding critical and emerging technologies, which include semiconductor industries.
Health
In the health sector, Manila and Washington will chart "new ways to become more resilient for future health emergencies" as it builds on their “successful cooperation” during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In support of this, the countries would convene this year a kick-off planning session for the first meeting of the Joint Committee under the 2019 Science and Technology Agreement, where virology and vaccines, combating non-communicable diseases, and ridge-to-reef cooperation would be part of the discussions.
The two sides also highlighted how they will maximize the US-Philippines Food Security Dialogue by exchanging best practices "on agricultural innovation, sustainability, and transforming food systems by adapting nutritious crops to climate change, improving soil health, and strengthening value chains."
Environment and Disaster Preparedness
The two sides also tackled environmental protection and the climate crisis and agreed to “identify opportunities for future collaboration in enhancing disaster preparedness, and for the protection and conservation of the Philippines’ rich coastal and marine resources.”
There must be enhanced cooperation to address the climate crisis and prevent its impacts, especially on vulnerable populations, according to them.
They committed to assess climate threats and incorporate such assessments into joint planning, innovation, training, investments and financing to accelerate and increase renewable energy capacity as well as the grid expansion needed to facilitate its deployment, in support of the Philippines' clean energy transition.
Meanwhile, there will be a launching of the Energy Policy Dialogue, which aims to develop new forms of energy cooperation, including on short- and long-term energy planning, offshore wind development, rooftop solar capabilities, nuclear energy for electricity generation, and grid stability and power transmission.
There would also be negotiations for a "potential" US-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement or 123 Agreement.
Alliance with other countries
The Philippines and the US also planned to coordinate with "like-minded" nations to achieve various goals, including the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
They expressed support for the outlook of the ASEAN on the Indo-Pacific, saying such arrangements by the regional bloc should uphold ASEAN centrality in the evolving rules-based regional security architecture.
The two sides also committed to conduct consultations regarding the trilateral partnership among Australia, United Kingdom and the US; and welcomed the Quad's support for a peaceful, stable and rules-based region with ASEAN at the center.
Alliances with Japan and Australia were also sought as both countries identified opportunities to expand their operational coordination.
People-to-people exchanges
And in terms of people-to-people exchanges, both countries acknowledged the importance of their peoples in advancing bilateral relations, as proven by those who have shown their dedication during Covid-19 pandemic and those in the fields of social services, technology, civil rights, arts and marine biodiversity, among others.
With over 8,000 Filipino alumni of US government-sponsored exchange programs, US committed to explore new resources to support Fulbright’s efforts in developing expertise that are critical to the partnership and alliance.