REASSURING to witness that the Philippines and Canada have signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), a defense partnership that allows for the deployment of forces in each other’s territory for training and joint activities.
The agreement, signed in Manila Sunday by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Minister of National Defense David McGuinty, is expected to enhance cooperation in areas like maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, and strengthens the rules-based international order.
The SOVFA provides the legal framework for military cooperation, including joint exercises, and is designed to increase interoperability between the two armed forces.
Beyond joint exercises, the agreement – Canada is the fifth country to have a similar troop arrangement with the Philippines after the United States, Australia, Japan and New Zealand – is expected to boost collaboration on maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster response (HADR) , and cyberdefense.
Some may ask how SOVFA will benefit the ordinary Filipino?
Defense and security analysts say SOVFA will profit the ordinary Filipinos primarily through enhanced national security and improved humanitarian assistance as well as disaster relief capabilities.
Other benefits include faster and more efficient disaster response, since SOVFA provides a legal framework that simplifies the entry and departure of foreign military assets (like aircraft and vessels) during natural calamities, leading to swifter and more effective HADR operations.
This was seen the US response after Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) struck the Philippines on Nov. 8, 2013, killing 6,300 people although other figures suggest more than 8,000 of the more than 14 million affected.
The economic damage was estimated at about P571.1 billion (equivalent to around US$12.9 billion at the time).
At the same time, by allowing for joint military exercises and training, SOVFA helps the Armed Forces of the Philippines gain modern equipment, receive critical intelligence, and keep abreast of the latest developments in modern warfare, which strengthens the country’s defense posture against various threats, including territorial disputes.
Certainly, the presence of allied forces and the visible alliance with like-minded nations act as a deterrent against potential external aggression, especially in areas like the West Philippine Sea, contributing to regional peace and stability which is vital for safe maritime trade routes and the overall economy, according to defense and security observers.
The presence of visiting forces for exercises and operations generates some economic activity through tourism, local spending by personnel, and service contracts.
Essentially, the SOVFA contributes to the safety and well-being of the average Filipino by providing a stable and secure environment, enhancing the country’s ability to respond to crises, and facilitating vital international support and cooperation.
The close defense relations fostered by the VFA can also result in the Philippines receiving significant development assistance, grants, and foreign military financing from partner countries, which can fund projects in health, education, and other public services that benefit citizens directly.
