Phl to host Asian defense, security confab next month

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will host this year’s Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) exhibition and conference, which is expected to attract key security players in the region.

To be held from July 16 to 18 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the event will focus on the needs of Asia Pacific armed forces, internal state security organizations and disaster management agencies.

“The developing political scenario in the South China Sea has brought the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the fore and as a result, the Armed Forces are now focused on how they can be best modernized and strengthened in order to fulfill their primary role of maintaining the territorial integrity of the Philippines,” the event’s website read.

“ADAS 2014 comes at exactly the right time in the Philippine defense modernization process, providing an effective environment for the exchange of ideas and information that will help to set the agenda for future modernization programs,” it added.

Organizers said the event would also incorporate the modernization requirements of the Philippine National Police, Coast Guard and civil defense agencies.

More than 80 delegates who are potential buyers and representing security and disaster management agencies and industries have been invited to the show. Senior military officers are also expected to participate in the event.

President Aquino will be the guest of honor in what organizers view as a proof of the government’s strong support for the event.

“The importance of the Philippine defense market is reflected by the decision of all of the major stakeholders in the defense modernization process to actively support and endorse ADAS 2014,” according to the event’s website.

Organizers said the government’s military upgrade efforts have made the Philippines “one of the most active and interesting defense and security marketplaces in Southeast Asia.”

The three-day event will feature an air power symposium, civil defense seminars and symposia about the Army and the Navy. There will also be sessions that would provide exhibitors the opportunity to highlight the features of their products and services.

The exhibits, meanwhile, will cover latest technologies and systems, equipment and services that can address the needs of the military, disaster management and other security agencies, including naval and air platforms, guided missiles and weapon systems, counter terror and internal security system, air and maritime surveillance systems and rescue systems.