Security sector modernization makes PH stronger, self-reliant

MANILA – Peace, security and safety are crucial to attaining progress and development.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. knows this only too well.  He knows that it will take a lot of work, resources, and international diplomacy to make sure that the Philippines has the capacity and capability to protect its territory, people and sovereignty from both internal and external threats. 
Over the years, these threats have evolved and they continue to evolve with the changing geopolitical landscape, advancing technology and redistribution of economic power in the world.
This is where the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program comes into play. Its aim is to ensure that we can protect our sovereignty, maintain peace and order, and ensure a stable environment for economic growth.
Modernization is more than just acquiring new and more arms and vehicles, vessels, and warfare equipment. As President Marcos said at the 89th anniversary of the AFP last December :  "To enhance our capabilities and preparedness, we are harnessing the latest technologies, reinforcing our strategies, and enhancing the skills of every soldier, every sailor, every airman. We will provide the tools, resources, and support necessary to help you succeed. We will ensure that your sacrifices are met with tangible action: the modernization of our assets, the protection of your families' welfare, and the recognition of your invaluable contributions to our shared future."
Broadening the Horizon
On Jan. 23, 2024, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced the approval of Revised Horizon (Re-Horizon) 3, the third phase of the AFP Modernization Program.
Re-Horizon 3 is a bold plan with a budget of USD35 billion over 10 years for the acquisition of land, air, and marine assets for complete security and defense of the country’s land and water territory, exclusive economic zones, seabed, continental shelf, and air space.
The plan includes the acquisition of multi-role fighter (MRF) aircraft, offshore patrol vessels, missile corvettes, fast attack boats, and S-70 Black Hawk helicopters.
AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the purchase of the MRFs already got the green light from the President to support the Air Force’s current fleet of FA-50PH light fighters.
Brawner also disclosed the Navy was keen on acquiring at least two diesel-electric type submarines. He expressed hope that it could be achieved within the Re-Horizon 3 schedule. “Remember what we need is really funds in order for us to achieve the objectives [of] Horizon 3," he said.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the Navy “is on track” with its targets.
Apart from the submarines, six offshore patrol vessels and two missile corvettes are scheduled for procurement to strengthen the Navy’s capabilities in securing and protecting the nation’s territorial seas and maritime expanse.
Re-Horizon 3 also includes the acquisition of assets to bolster connectivity and communications, intelligence capabilities, command and control, and deterrence capabilities.
The AFP Modernization Program has three Horizons. Horizon 1 was scheduled from 2013 to 2017; Horizon 2 was from 2018 to 2022 and Horizon 3 is from 2023 to 2028.
A defense industry by Filipinos, for Filipinos
Developing self-reliance is an essential part of the AFP Modernization Program.  First carried out during the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program (SRDP) has been revived.
Last October, the President signed into law a bill that seeks to develop the National Defense Industry so that the country can slowly achieve military self-reliance.  The SRDP Revitalization Act also establishes the Office of the Undersecretary for Defense Technology Research and Industry Development whose main task is to develop the local defense industry through research, technology transfer, domestic and international collaboration, and the formulation of a national policy on the stockpile, acquisition, manufacturing of defense assets and equipment.
Said the President at the signing of the bill:  "We lay today the foundation of resilience shaped by our own ingenuity, our own talent, and our unwavering resolve. Through this Act, we can build on its legacy and expand upon that same vision—a defense posture that is independent, dynamic, and geared to the future. It is a commitment to a long-term growth trajectory for a national defense industry that will support the defense requirements of our country. It's a logical move forward for a nation that finds itself at the fulcrum of geopolitical shifts and volatilities."
Alongside the SRDP is the Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) Convergence Program meant to bolster the country’s military infrastructure and ensure the continued maintenance and functioning of a modern and capable AFP.
The TIKAS Convergence Program will build and maintain state-of-the-art facilities for the AFP, improve the quality of life for its uniformed personnel, and enhance the government’s capacity to respond to a wide range of national defense and safety challenges.
In recent years, TIKAS has covered the renovation and improvement of military hospitals, logistics and training facilities, and administration buildings in military camps.
Among the recent projects were the 7ID Center and the New Grandstand for the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
Safe, Secure ‘Bagong Pilipinas’
President Marcos is the first to admit that it will take some time before the lofty goals of the program can be fully achieved. But the administration is serious in making this happen.
“To all the members of the AFP, be assured that this administration remains committed to transforming our AFP into a world-class force that is a source of national pride and national security,” he said at the graduation ceremony for new officers in December last year.
The modernization program bears an impact beyond national security and defense. SRDP, for one, will strengthen, develop and expand local arms and ammunition manufacturing, create jobs, and enable the country to acquire technology.
It also aligns with national plans including the Philippine Development Plan. Its overarching goal is not just to secure the country and maintain peace but to create and maintain an environment conducive to business, investments, economic growth, and the good life for all Filipinos.
 As Senator JV Ejercito said, “Investment in our national security is an investment in our future, our sovereignty.”
And as House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez pointed out:  
"When we can project a credible presence at sea, we deter any attempts to violate our country's sovereignty. When we have the respect of other countries, they will think twice about attacking us. This protection benefits our fishing communities, our coastlines, and the entire economy, which depends on open sea lanes for imports and exports.” (PNA)
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(2025/03/06-04:45)