Manila: Upgrades on the various Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines are now in place, a U.S. Department of War (DOW) official said on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOW Undersecretary for Policy Elbridge Colby stated during an online press briefing, "We already have substantially accelerated the relationship with the Philippines, and we are proud to say that there has been progress with the EDCA sites, and we anticipate more." Colby declined to provide further details for security reasons.

The EDCA, signed in 2014, facilitates joint training between Filipino and American soldiers and allows U.S. troops to build facilities and pre-position supplies and equipment within strategically located bases in the Philippines. The country hosts nine EDCA sites, including Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; and Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, among others.

Colby highlighted the U.S.'s ongoing collaboration with the Philippines to support its sovereignty. He noted significant progress over the last 18 months, referencing discussions with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Colby described the Philippines as a "model ally" due to its productive and collaborative approach.