P16.852B for AFP modernization

The modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) took a big leap during the first 17 months of the Aquino administration, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Saturday.

Based on the DND report, a review of the modernization program showed P16.852 billion was made available for the AFP modernization from July, 2010, to December, 2011, a great improvement from the P33.596 billion that was made available during a 15-year period, or an average of P2.24 billion a year from 1995 to 2010.

The review also revealed that during the Aquino administration’s first 17 months in office, 18 projects have been completed amounting to a total of P4.34 billion.

“We have pursued our goal of upgrading our Armed Forces’ security hardware and equipment, including combat life support, facilities, and platforms for our soldiers,” said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

“This would enable our armed forces to ably perform its constitutional mandate of protecting our sovereignty and territorial integrity – on land, on air, and at sea,” he added.

The defense chief noted that among the most notable acquisitions in the past months is the Hamilton-class BRP Gregorio del Pilar, an all-weather high-endurance cutter commissioned on December 14, 2011.

After it was commissioned, the vessel was deployed to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) to patrol the nation's territorial waters and safeguard the country’s maritime interests.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar is now seen as a symbol of the government’s efforts to upgrade the country’s armed forces, earning for itself the nickname “Goryo” among the Filipinos.

Alongside “Goryo” is a Philippine-made landing craft utility, the BRP Tagbanua, which was also commissioned last December 14.

Primarily configured to transport combat personnel, military equipment, and material in support of military amphibious operations, the BRP Tagbanua will also perform non-combatant evacuation, medical assistance projects, disaster, rescue, and relief missions, and operations in support of the government's national socio-economic projects.

The Philippine government has also signed a contract with a Canadian company for the acquisition of bullet-manufacturing equipment as part of its ongoing modernization program.

By ELENA L. ABEN
mb.com.ph

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