5 more EDCA sites identified

The United States and the Philippines are working on the process of establishing five more sites for the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a US senior official announced Sunday.

The announcement came following the arrival of US Vice President Kamala Harris in the Philippines for her two-day engagements in America's oldest ally in Asia.

According to a White House official, the US has already identified the locations for the proposed additional EDCA sites.

"We are engaged with the Philippines about expanding the program and we've identified some locations," he said without disclosing which areas in the country are being targeted for the sites.

Last month, a senior White House official, who requested anonymity, announced the US intent to increase EDCA sites in the country from five to 10.

In a separate statement from the White House, the US reaffirmed its "ironclad" commitment to the defense of the Philippines.

"The United States and the Philippines enjoy an alliance and partnership based on deep historical, economic, and cultural ties, and our shared democratic values," it said.

"Now and always, the US commitment to the defense of the Philippines is ironclad, and we are committed to strengthening our economic and investment relationship," it added.

Meanwhile, the Philippines welcomes the announcement from the White House on new initiatives to strengthen the Philippines-US alliance on the occasion of Harris' visit to Manila, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

"The Philippines and the United States agree on the importance of strengthening the economic security of the Philippines so that we might have the capacity to meet both our individual and collective challenges," the DFA said.

"We hope to continue the extensive bilateral engagements between our two countries with a view to achieving tangible, relevant, and substantial outcomes in support of the economic development objectives of the Philippines," it added.

The department underscored the importance for the two countries to work together to advance their shared objectives in the bilateral, regional, and global spheres.

"The visit of Vice President Harris allows the two countries to further strengthen our partnership, alliance, and friendship," it said.