Senga sees hope for RP defense program

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Generoso Senga said there is hope for the Philippine Defense Reform Program (PDRP) that aims to upgrade the country’s military capability.

Senga, who was the guest of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Southern Command on its 30th anniversary celebration yesterday, said the AFP is ready to acquire equipment under the PDRP’s capability upgrade.

He said the AFP had received the funding for the first year of implementation of the defense reform program.

While there is no problem with the military’s firepower, Senga said they still want to improve the soldiers’ capability.

Senga did not immediately disclose the funding received for the first year of implementing the program but said they are now in the process of procurement and training.

He said they have grouped their requirements into blocks to give priority to projects that need more urgent attention such as firepower, mobility, communication, maintenance, and training.

The PDRP was a result of the joint assessment that looked into the levels of capability of the AFP done two or three years ago with the help of the US military.

From the results of this assessment, plans were made to address deficiencies.

"We have already completed the planning stage and we are starting the procurement. In fact, we have already acquired some equipment and hopefully this will improve the capability of the AFP," Senga said.

He said they have also started conducting a re-training of its infantry battalion and the Philippine Marines. — Roel Pareño