All we want for Christmas

“Christmastime is here, happiness and cheer, fun for all that children call, their favorite time of year.” Bet you sang those lines in the style of jazz diva Diana Krall. But if you didn’t, don’t fret; Santa is not taking it against you.

Here, as Christmas jingles come, this should be a familiar enough holiday tune. Clue: it inspires dreams of gifts under the tree. If you answered the Jackson 5’s Give Love on Christmas Day or All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth by the Chipmunks, close but — hey! — no cigar.

If you guessed the 12 Days of Christmas, give yourself a pat on the back if you’re a contortionist and can reach that far. That song, it has to be said, has always been mistaken as referring to the 12 days before Christmas.

Nope, kiddos. The 12 Days of Christmas is not a gift-laden countdown to the big day, Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. That countdown is more like, if my Catholic school days memory still serves me, Advent, encompassing four Sundays leading to Christmas Eve.

In fact, The 12 Days of Christmas refers to the period in Christian theology between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on Christmas Day and ends on 5 January, with the 6th of January being Epiphany.

But as it’s now widely known as a popular Christmas carol detailing a series of gifts, let’s cobble up a wish list of 12 gifts for us Filipinos — gifts that will impact our sense of security and safeguard our beautiful islands stretching far and wide.

So here goes: “On the twelfth day of Christmas, Santa (in lieu of ‘my true love’) gave to me… ”

Twelve coastal radars a-scanning.

Maritime domain awareness is critical for a nation with an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) spanning many kilometers. Modern coastal radars would allow us to keep an eye on every nook and cranny of our waters, for poachers to pirates to potential intruders.

Eleven patrol vessels a-sailing.

Santa, we need more ships to guard our seas! Our current fleet is hardworking but stretched thin. Durable, fast patrol vessels can help protect our fishermen, deter illegal activities, and respond swiftly to emergencies.

Ten jet fighters a-roaring.

The Philippine Air Force deserves a shoutout for its modernization efforts, but we’re still playing catch-up with the neighbors. Modern multi-role jet fighters can patrol our airspace, enforce territorial integrity, and give potential threats second thoughts.

Nine submarines a-submerging.

Santa, we know you’re used to sleighs, but stealthy submarines could be a game-changer for our Navy. The ability to operate unseen under the waves adds a powerful layer to our defensive capabilities.

Eight frigates a-firing.

Our frigates have proven their worth, but we could certainly use more of these multi-role vessels to defend our waters and maintain peace in the region.

Seven drones a-flying.

Whether for surveillance, reconnaissance, or disaster response, drones can be the eyes in the sky we desperately need to monitor vast areas of land and sea.

Six SAMs defending.

Surface-to-air missile systems would protect our islands from airborne threats. With strategic placement, these could become our nation’s shield against the unexpected.

Five multi-role ships patrolling.

These versatile vessels would be the workhorses of our maritime forces, ready for combat, search-and-rescue missions, and humanitarian assistance in times of calamity.

Four attack choppers a-chomping.

Santa, imagine a sturdy fleet of helicopters capable of close air support for troops and quick response to threats, especially in rugged or remote areas.

Three amphibious tanks a-rolling.

Ideal for island defense and swift mobility, amphibious tanks would help secure our shores and assist in humanitarian missions during floods or typhoons.

Two recon planes a-spying.

Long-range reconnaissance aircraft would give us the ability to monitor distant parts of our EEZ and provide crucial intelligence for decision-making.

And one long-range missile battery a-lurking!

Nothing says “Don’t even think about it” like a reliable missile defense system. It’s the ultimate strategic deterrent.

Merry Christmas! May our skies be clear, our seas be calm, and our people feel secure. If Santa’s sleigh needs an escort through Philippine airspace, we’ll, sigh, make do with what we have — for now.

Fly high, FA-50s, and fire up those props, Super Tucanos!