Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. clarified that the planned naval base in Misamis Oriental is not an additional site under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Teodoro addressed public concerns about expanding EDCA locations in Cagayan de Oro City and the Phividec area in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
He confirmed that the Department of National Defense (DND) will establish a naval base in Phividec to serve as a Philippine Navy operations center for Mindanao.
The facility will accommodate large vessels carrying military equipment for regional needs, including operations linked to the EDCA site in Cagayan de Oro.
Teodoro emphasized that Phividec, under DND supervision, generates funds from foreign locators in Misamis Oriental to support veterans and their families.
The announcement followed Teodoro’s inspection of the former Lumbia airport, which is set to become the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force’s 15th Strike Wing, adjacent to an EDCA facility managed by U.S. forces.
The naval base project underscores efforts to enhance Philippine military capabilities in Mindanao while maintaining clear distinctions from EDCA-related activities.