$66.5 Million Earmarked For EDCA Projects

Construction and repair activities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States are set for implementation next year, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

It said $66.5 million has been earmarked for the approved EDCA projects, which include the construction of training, warehouse and other facilities at Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija and Lumbia Airport Base Station in Cagayan de Oro.

The projects are slated for completion in the next two years.

“The Department is committed to accelerate the implementation of the EDCA by concluding infrastructure enhancement and repair projects, developing new infrastructure projects at existing EDCA locations and exploring new locations that will build a more credible mutual defense posture,” the DND’s statement read.

The Philippines and the US, the DND added, maintained dialogues to discuss the implementation of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and ensure that it remains relevant to contemporary security challenges.

“Through the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board, both sides continue to discuss and collaborate on projects under EDCA,” it said.

“The DND remains consistent in its position that all engagements with the US as well as other foreign partners must be conducted in accordance with the Philippine Constitution and other national laws,” it added.

The DND said it is also focused on planning joint activities with Washington to develop Manila’s individual and joint capacity, “to address current security challenges in line with the implementing details provided by Philippines-US defense agreements anchored on the MDT.”