The Philippine Navy (PN) laid out before President Marcos Jr. its strategic role in the new defense concept adopted by the Department of National Defense (DND) and stressed the importance of modernizing its equipment, facilities and the mindset of its personnel through trainings.

Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., PN Flag Officer in Command, apprised Marcos of the Navy’s part in the realization of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) during the PN's 2^nd Quarter Command Conference in its headquarters in Manila on Monday, June 3.

The CADC, first introduced by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in March, was adopted by the Marcos administration for its whole-of-government approach to address the maritime dispute with China.

It aims to develop the country's capability to protect its territory, particularly the features within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), so that the current and future generation of Filipinos may be able to freely reap and enjoy the bounties of its natural resources.

During the command conference, Adaci outlined the current status and future plans of the Navy and emphasized the importance of modernization and capability enhancement as "vital components of the total archipelagic defense."

He said this will enable the fulfillment of the PN’s crucial role in securing the state and enhancing maritime cooperation toward regional peace and stability.

“The Philippine Navy remains steadfast in its duty to defend our nation's interests, safeguard our waters, and protect our people. While we face formidable challenges, our commitment to accomplishing the mission remains unwavering," Adaci said.

Marcos recently approved a P2 trillion budget ($35 billion) for the procurement of new military weapons and equipment through the "Rehorizon 3", a 10-year new defense acquisition plan which replaced the third horizon of the revised AFP modernization program.

A "big chunk" of the budget will go to the PN for the acquisition of sophisticated assets that will enable it to fight across air, surface, sub-surface and electronic spectrum, which is deemed crucial for the protection of the country's interests in the West Philippine Sea.

"The Philippine Navy will continue to fight until our nation realizes genuine freedom and security in our waters. As you have said, Sir, ‘Filipinos do not yield,’” the Navy chief stated.

Meanwhile, the conference also provided a platform for other major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to discuss collaborative efforts and integrated defense strategies. 

It was attended by Teodoro; AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr.; Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido; and Philippine Air Force (PAF) Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño among other key military and defense officials.

Marcos expressed his continued support to the ongoing modernization efforts of the PN and other branches of the AFP. 

He highlighted the critical role of the PN in maintaining national security and underscored the need for continuous improvement of defense capabilities to address evolving security challenges.