The capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to detect and respond to maritime and aerial threats got a big boost after Japan allotted JPY1.6 billion or around P611 million in security assistance grant to the Philippines, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Friday, Dec. 6.
“This year's assistance includes support to the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force to improve maritime and air domain awareness capabilities,” DND Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a statement.
Teodoro witnessed the signing and exchange of notes for the Official Security Assistance (OSA) grant of the Government of Japan to the Philippines for fiscal year 2024 on Thursday, Dec. 5, in Manila.
The agreement was signed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Sec. Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Endo Kazuya.
For the defense chief, the grant reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to enhancing the Philippines’ defense and security capabilities.
Notably, the Philippines is the only recipient of Japan’s OSA grant for two consecutive years.
Tokyo launched the OSA in 2023 during which Manila received JPY 600 million or about P235 million grant aid for coastal radars to enhance its defense capabilities particularly against Chinese incursion in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
This time, the DND is planning to procure additional coastal radar systems and automatic rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs).
Teodoro thanked the government of Japan for its continuous support to the Philippines.
He also emphasized the importance of bilateral and multilateral partnerships in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty in advancing shared goals in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The strengthened security cooperation reflects Japan and the Philippines’ shared commitment to regional peace and stability,” he said.