Remarks of

 HONORABLE GILBERTO C. TEODORO, JR.

Secretary of National Defense

 Visit to Northern Luzon Command

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City

28 September 2007

 

Acknowledgments… 

This visit is truly memorable for me since this is my first visit outside the major service commands.  It is also incidental that this is also my long-overdue visit here in my hometown, after assuming my post as Secretary of National Defense.     

My visit here was supposed to go with the awarding and blessing of 100 housing units at the Kawal Kalinga in Barangay San Jose de Urquico, San Miguel, among the AFP off-base Housing units.  But because of the monsoon rains that we have been experiencing the past days, we will find a more opportune time to hold it. 

I know housing concerns are among the projects that have beneficial impact on our personnel.  We must provide for the basic needs of your families. 

In the mean time, I know this is the time to hear the concerns of the NOLCOM personnel and how best we can address these to strengthen our resolve to make our NOLCOM soldiers among our foremost fighting force. 

I have been very bold with my pronouncement that there should be no let up with our engagements with the communist rebels, particularly the New People’s Army (NPA) who thrive here in central Luzon. 

If we are consistent with our no let-up stance with them, they will be forced to apply for amnesty and that is precisely what we want to happen. 

You should also not get distracted by the issues coming out now like the ZTE broadband deal, cyber-ed project, among others.  Let our lawmakers deal with those. 

Over at the Defense Department, I am committed to the implementation of the Philippine Defense Reform program which I comprehensively outlined before members of the media.  The PDR, as I said will be the blueprint and foundation of a stronger, rational and strategy-based national defense policy. 

We need to complement our force with capability upgrade of equipment as well as systems for doctrines, decision-making and strategies. 

I admit the PDR is not an easy program and no program is, particularly if it is aimed at changing a system and culture.  But with your cooperation and support, nothing is impossible. 

Your primary concern on the need to equip Disaster Rescue and Response Units (DRRU) is being seriously studied now considering that we can source out funds available for this from the DND QRF. 

This is also among my primary concern because of the reality that our country is often ravaged by series of typhoons.  

I am aware that even with the necessary funding, it would be difficult to just procure rubber boats, life rings/jackets and other life saving equipment you will need. 

But I have already instructed DND and AFP officials to discuss all possible amendments of the IRR-A of RA 9184 to satisfy the AFP contingency requirements and come out with a comprehensive and complete recommendation.  

These steps will only be the beginning of our continued undertaking to make our armed forces evolve into a truly capable fighting force.  We can make it happen and let’s make it happen. 

Thank you.  Mabuhay kayong lahat!

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