AFP modernization fund reaches P16.8 B under Aquino

MANILA, Philippines - In the last 17 months, the Department of National Defense has received P16.852 billion for the modernization of the Armed Forces.

This amount is almost half of the P33.596 billion provided by the Ramos, Estrada and Arroyo administrations for the 15-year modernization program of the military from 1995 to 2010.

“The modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) made a leap during the first 17 months of the Aquino administration,” said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

He said that during President Aquino’s first 17 months in office, 18 defense and military projects worth P4.34 billion were completed.

One of the notable acquisitions is the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, an all-weather high endurance cutter that was commissioned last Dec. 14.

The Navy frigate, dubbed as “Goryo,” was acquired from the United States. It is now patrolling the disputed West Philippine Sea. Also acquired was the BRP Tagbanua, a brand new landing craft made in the Philippines. It was also commissioned last Dec. 14.

The BRP Tagbanua was primarily configured to transport combat personnel, military equipment, and material in support of military amphibious operations.

The BRP Tagbanua can 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 Arsenal based in Bataan has also signed a contract with a Canadian company for the acquisition of bullet manufacturing equipment. 

A multi-station bullet assembly machine, case manufacture equipment and cartridge assembly equipment will be acquired from Waterbury Farell, a division of Magnum Integrated Technologies Inc.

Gazmin said the project costs P335.852 million and is expected to be delivered within 18 months.

“The acquisition of this equipment will boost the Government Arsenal’s capacity to supply ammunition for small arms from 58 to 75 percent,” he said.

This year, the military is also expected to receive eight brand new combat utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force, the first of which may be delivered this month.

Other projects include the acquisition of force protection, coast watch requirements, engineering and utility trucks.

Also to be procured are 33 pieces of shoulder-fired rocket launchers for the Presidential Security Group.

Gazmin said a total of 71 projects spread throughout the three major service commands and general headquarters are already in the pipeline.

He said the implementation of the AFP modernization program was accelerated by the adoption of the Defense System of Management (DSOM), which implements a “more prudent, efficient, and effective utilization” of resources.

The DSOM was conceptualized during the term of former Defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro. It is based on the real needs of the defense establishment, operating within budgetary constraints.

“Premised on the established ideals of our national leadership, which are good governance, transparency, and accountability, we oversaw the proper implementation of our defense and security policies that would ensure the protection of our country’s sovereignty and the integrity of our national territory,” Gazmin said.