DAVAO CITY — Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno assured that the national government will strengthen its naval forces as well as upgrade the country's naval equipment.

In his message during the commemoration of the Battle of Surigao on Wednesday, Magno disclosed that early this year, Congress approved the P45-billion Armed Forces of the Philippines' modernization budget which is P6 billion higher than last year.

Of the total amount, P27.5 billion is allocated for the programmed appropriations while the remaining P17.5 billion is for the unprogrammed appropriations.

"The Marcos administration has expressed its support to strengthen our naval forces and to engage and upgrade our naval equipment," Magno said.

He also salutes the heroism of the brave souls who sacrificed their lives during the Battle of Surigao Strait on 25 October 1944.

The 79th commemoration of the Battle of Surigao Strait also served as the renewal of strong relationship of the Japanese, Australian, American and the Philippine governments.

It was tagged as the biggest and loudest naval battle in the history.

Magno urged attendees to remember the lessons of the Battle of Surigao Strait and how it became the gateway of defeating the Japanese Occupation.

Records showed that most of the US ships used in the said battle were damaged during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

These same ships were raised from the bottom of the sea, repaired, put back to service and used to decimate the Japanese naval fleet.

"What is important is to know how to move forward from this event. How you will go on with your life after the Battle of Surigao Strait," Magno said.

He also mentioned how the battle became the driving force between Japan, Australia, and United States of America to maintain peace and continue their relationship with the Philippines.

"The Office of Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanano will also be open to Surigao City in any possible way I can help," Magno said.