Even before the country can complete its so-called Horizons Modernization Program to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. yesterday said there is a pressing need to "re-vision and re-horizon" the country's security posture.

"This is a task I have given the [AFP] general headquarters — aligned with past pronouncements that we have to re-vision and re-horizon our strategic thoughts — from strategic principles, defense planning, to our modernization," Teodoro said.

The defense chief issued the statement during the christening and commissioning of the BRP Valentin Diaz (PS177) and the BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS178) at Philippine Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada on  Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

He said the "re-horizon" would be to make the country's armed forces "more responsive to the challenges of the times, adding that there's a need to "preserve a rules-based international order."

The Valentin Diaz and Ladislao Diwa were acquired through US foreign military financing and its Excess Defense Article Program. The vessels were valued at $13.8 million dollars or P780 million.

"This is a welcome and timely addition to the Philippine fleet because the sooner we can complete, of course in coordination with our partners in the Philippine Coast Guard, our littoral defenses, the sooner we can pursue our vast position in defending our sovereign rights," Teodoro said.

The Philippines must be able to present credible deterrence through a more modern AFP, Teodoro said.

Collaboration

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the commissioning of the two latest Philippine Navy ships is an "illustration of Washington's continued collaboration" with the Philippines in pursuit of the modernization goals of the AFP.

"This ceremony symbolizes continued US support for our Philippine Navy allies, who are on the frontlines defending Philippine sovereign rights in the South China Sea, or West Philippine Sea," she added.

"The Philippines is the largest recipient of US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific, merited by the ambitious agenda we have set together for our alliance," Carlson said.

The BRP Valentin Diaz, formerly the USS Chinook, is the ninth Cyclone-class patrol ship of the US Navy. The BRP Ladislao Diwa, formerly the USS Monsoon, is the US Navy's fourth Cyclone-class patrol ship.

The two patrol vessels were transferred upon decommissioning in Bahrain on 18 March and were delivered to the Philippines last May.

Carlson said: "Their dedicated service and the missions they undertake are central to the shared US-Philippine goal of ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," Carlson said.

"The Valentin Diaz and Ladislao Diwa are entering into service for the Philippine Navy at an important time when the maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly complex," she added.

Long-term plan

"From patrolling Philippine waters to protecting legitimate economic activities and combating illegal fishing, to delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the missions undertaken by these two vessels will not be easy," she said.

The AFP's Horizons Modernization Program is a long-term plan divided into three phases, or Horizons, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the AFP's modernization.

Horizon 1 (2013-2022) prioritized the acquisition of new equipment and weapons systems, as well as the enhancement of AFP trainings and doctrine. Horizon 1 acquisitions included FA-50PH light fighter jets, S-211 combat utility helicopters, and the BRP Jose Rizal frigate.

Horizon 2 (2023-2028) focuses on the strategic capabilities of the AFP, such as its ability to project power and conduct joint operations. Horizon 2's key projects include the acquisition of submarines, the construction of new naval bases, and the development of a missile defense system.

Horizon 3 (2029-2034) is concerned with the overall readiness and sustainability of the AFP. Some of the key projects under Horizon 3 include the improvement of the AFP's logistics and maintenance capabilities and the development of a comprehensive human resources plan.

The total cost of the Horizons modernization program is estimated to be around P1 trillion. The government has allocated P75 billion for Horizon 1, P150 billion for Horizon 2, and P175 billion for Horizon 3.