The Defense Chief on Wednesday underscored the urgent need to bolster the Philippines’ defense capabilities, particularly in the maritime sector.
In his keynote address on the third day of the Blue Economy Annual Trade and Conference (BEACON) Expo 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro emphasized the transformation of the Philippine Navy into a “true Blue Water Navy,” capable of safeguarding Filipino seafarers and enforcing international maritime laws.
Secretary Teodoro stressed the importance of attracting foreign direct investments to strengthen the country’s defense initiatives and called for fair economic practices and the elimination of substandard goods that harm local industries.
“We are gearing up their skill sets. We are gearing up their horizons in order to be a true Blue Water Navy, not for the purpose of waging offensive operations against any person, but for the sole purpose of protecting two things; enforcing international norms on the high seas and protecting Filipino citizens and assets under the flag of the Philippines on the sea lanes wherever they may be found,” Secretary Teodoro stated.
Secretary Teodoro concluded by challenging key maritime organizations to establish timelines for raising maritime and archipelagic awareness.
He proposed that this awareness should extend to schools, teaching essential concepts about the country’s entitlements, environmental protection, and the importance of open and free markets to ensure resilient supply chains.
“The political will from our leaders to do what is necessary is there. But we have to make the public feel that they will benefit in order to add to the collective political will of everyone to make the needed investments in time, in resources, and sometimes in pain, in order to gain a strategic advantage or momentum, at least, in building our new economy.”
