Building a peaceful, se cure and progressive nation

When I assumed as Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) in 2016, the shifting geopolitical landscape necessitated flexibility in the country’s defense policies in order to protect national interests and respond effectively to domestic and regional challenges.

Crafting a clear policy agenda and communicating it within the organization, to the public we serve, and to our allies were the first orders of business. This is what I did.

One of my key priorities early on was to strengthen our International Defense and Security Engagements (IDSE) Program. We were able to sustain the momentum of our trilateral cooperation with Malaysia and Indonesia, especially on maritime areas of common concern, remarkably reducing the incidents of kidnapping in the environs of the Sulu and Celebes Seas.

We also established new partnerships with other countries, including Sri Lanka and Croatia. We strengthened our ties with fellow ASEAN member states, as well as with other countries such as Australia, Japan, China, and the United States.

I am hoping that our IDSE efforts have laid the groundwork for the Philippines’ future role as a strategic player in the Asiapacific region.

I was also committed to build a more professional and credible defense organization. I recognized that the Philippine Air Force was in dire need of additional air transport assets to perform critical functions such as delivery of relief supplies in the aftermath of disasters and movement of troops and equipment during emergencies.

When I told the President about this need, he immediately approved the procurement of five C-130 planes. This exemplified the commitment of the President and his understanding of the need to modernize and equip the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

It’s a commitment that continued over the last six years. We acquired brandnew combat utility helicopters, close air support aircraft, frigates, force protection assets, and communication equipment among others.

VISIT and Bilateral Meeting of Philippines and United States, Visit of US Secretary Llyod Austin (30 July 2021) Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana’s official photo

SECRETARY Delfin Lorenzana, together with the other ASEAN delegates during the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) (23 October 2017)

Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairperson Delfin N. Lorenzana attending the NDRRMC meeting at the Operations Center (Opcen), NDRRMC (19 Feb 2021)

SECRETARY Lorenzana handing over E-CLIP benefits to a former rebel during a Task Force Balik-loob awarding ceremony