Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro 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, Teodoro emphasized the transformation of the Philippine Navy into a “true Blue Water Navy,” capable of safeguarding Filipino seafarers and enforcing international maritime laws.
Teodoro also called for fair economic practices and the elimination of substandard goods that harm local industries, stressing the importance of attracting foreign direct investments to strengthen the country’s defense initiatives.
“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,” Teodoro stated.
Naval News, which reports naval technology from all over the world, said that by 2028, the Philippine Navy aims to acquire at least 12 new vessels, including offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), corvettes, and frigates from South Korea.
This modernization began in 2016 with the order of two Jose Rizal-class frigates from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), marking a shift from older World War II and Cold War-era ships.
Amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea and Luzon Strait, the Philippines is enhancing its military capabilities through the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP). This includes a focus on Territorial Defense Operations (TDO) and procurement of various assets, like Israeli long-range patrol aircraft and Indian BrahMos missiles.
Teodoro also emphasized the need to safeguard supply chains and infrastructure in light of rising geopolitical tensions. He further urged a strategic focus on building resilient infrastructure and minimizing the impact of climate change on vulnerable regions.
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,” he added.
South Korea has become the primary supplier for the Philippine Navy, having provided several vessels in recent years, including the two Jose Rizal-class frigates and the Pohang-class corvette, BRP Conrado Yap. The Offshore Combat Force (OCF), responsible for territorial defense, is set to see significant growth, with HHI contracted to deliver two corvettes by 2026 and six OPVs by 2028, potentially doubling its fleet size.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Teodoro calls for stronger maritime defense”
