Makati city: The Philippines is reshaping its defense to make it more capable and resilient against modern threats, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Thursday. 'The President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) has instructed us to be unyielding and to reshape our defense ecosystem as quickly as possible into a multi-threat, multi-domain system,' Teodoro said in his speech before members of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in Makati City.

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro emphasized the need for greater transparency, trust, and shared growth in defense and industrial development. He highlighted the Philippines as being 'at the spearhead' of current threats to the international order, mentioning China's latest illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea. To tackle these challenges, the DND is focusing on two primary areas: enhancing internal defense resilience and expanding strategic engagements with like-minded nations.

Teodoro elaborated on strategic initiatives such as the advanced discussions for Visiting Forces Agreements with France and the United Kingdom, as well as a similar arrangement with Canada. He stated, 'The more convergence of like-minded countries at the spear's tip, the better,' stressing the importance of resisting changes to the international order that could harm the Philippines and future generations.

He also addressed the need to reform the country's defense acquisition and funding systems, pointing out that defense spending has been inadequate for a long time. The DND plans to prioritize the development of strategic bases and adopt government-to-government arrangements for defense procurements and joint industrial production. Teodoro concluded by stating, 'We will focus on what we truly need, not just what is available,' emphasizing the importance of defense self-reliance through reliable, diversified, and secure supply chains aligned with the Philippines' national interests.