Lorenzana wants to reactivate self-reliant defense program

FILE: Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday underscored the urgent need for the country to revive its Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program, given the variety of security threats it is facing. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday underscored the urgent need for the country to revive its Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program, given the variety of security threats it is facing.

“Considering the present threats to our sovereignty, such as terrorism and territorial disputes, it is about time to revive the SRDP program and highlight once again the need for enhanced external defense capabilities,” Lorenzana said during the Department of National Defense – Philippine International Trading Corp. Summit held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

He recalled that the country had an SRDP program in the 1970s, which aimed to provide support to the military in terms of weapons, platforms, and equipment.

Unfortunately, it did not attain much success and its implementation was discontinued because of several impediments, such as budgetary limitations, the defense chief said.

Lorenzana said efforts are underway to develop the Government Arsenal Defense Industry Estate (GADIE), a special economic zone for both foreign and local investors that seeks to attract manufacturers who would supply the Philippine military’s needs.

GADIE will be established in a 370-hectare estate in Limay, Bataan where the Government Arsenal (GA) is also housed.

GA is tasked to provide basic weapons, ammunition and other munitions to our country’s military and police, Lorenzana said.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana thanked the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for assisting them by inviting defense industries around the world, such as manufacturers of military aircraft, ships, arms and ammunition, drones, combat clothing, and other supplies needed by the military and the police.