The Department of National Defense (DND) has underscored significant shortcomings in Philippine defense infrastructure, with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stressing the need for additional strategic military bases to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
Teodoro said only about 40 to 50 percent of the Philippine archipelago is effectively covered by the Philippine Army, a level he described as inadequate for sustaining logistics and military operations.
As a result, he said the government must establish more strategic bases to improve territorial defense and operational readiness.
Among the deficiencies identified are limited naval facilities in the western part of the country, the absence of a dockyard, and the need for additional military installations along the eastern coastline.
Teodoro also noted that some roads and bridges may not be structurally capable of supporting the transport of heavy military equipment.
According to the defense chief, a significant portion of the country’s defense funding requirements is tied to infrastructure development.
He added that key spending priorities include military exercises, internal security operations in Mindanao, activities in the West Philippine Sea, and disaster response efforts.
Under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is expanding its presence in strategic locations to enhance the country’s ability to protect its territory and safeguard its maritime interests.