Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero expects the revival of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program, which will enable the Philippines to develop its local defense industry, to significantly contribute to the country’s independent foreign policy and reduced reliance on allies for defense supplies.
To be signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, Escudero said SRDP will prioritize domestic suppliers and provide incentives for manufacturers to establish or relocate production in the country.
A priority measure under the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028 and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, the SRDP seeks to ensure the country’s defense requirements are met through the development of the domestic defense industry.
It also includes provisions on countertrade and offset, which he said will promote technology transfer that will ultimately result in the improvement of processes, standards, and efficiency in the manufacturing of materiel.
“It is high time for the Philippines to reduce its reliance on its allies for the supply of its defense requirements. We have the capability to produce materiel that matches the quality of our international suppliers and with the right amount of support, they will one day be able to scale up their production and supply 100 percent of our needs,” Escudero said in a news release.
He said the SRDP will have a huge impact on the economy because not only will it create new jobs but also result in foreign currency savings for the government.
The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier noted that the Philippines relies primarily on government-to-government procurements with estimated value of military-related imports at USD305 million in 2022.
“Sa pag-unlad ng lokal na industriya, lalawak ang kanilang merkado at lalaki rin ang kita ng ating mga mamamayan na kabilang sa mga industriyang ito (With the development of local industries, their market will expand and the income of our citizens belonging to these industries will also increase),” Escudero said.
The SRDP program originated from Presidential Decree (PD) 415 on March 19, 1974, and was later amended by PD 1081 on February 1, 1977. (PNA)