Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approves National Security Policy

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the President of the Philippines, has reportedly approved the adoption of the National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028.

Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines, said that the president signed and approved the policy on August 10 in order to tackle national security challenges.

Malacañang Palace, the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the Philippines, announced on Saturday that Marcos, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, approved the NSP by signing Executive Order (EO) 37.

Marcos, who is also the secretary of agriculture, gave orders to national government agencies and instrumentalities to adopt NSP 2023-2028 in security-related strategies. 

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. reportedly said, “There is a need to harmonize the national security efforts of the government and ensure that they are complementary to the development goals and objectives set forth in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.”

The President also directed all the government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs), to take part in the implementation of the NSP 2023-2028 in order to address national security issues.

The president also called on the National Security Council (NSC) to monitor the implementation of the NSP 2023-2028. The policy was formed in coordination with key government agencies. According to the president, all national security-related strategies must be aligned with the NSP 2023-2028. 

The EO 37, signed by the president, was released on Saturday. The National Security Policy will take effect immediately on August 12. 

Recently, the Philippine President also vowed to defend the country’s territory through diplomacy. He also lauded lawmakers, top government officials and patriotism among Filipino workers. He said, “With this in my heart, I know that the state of the nation is sound, and is improving.” He further added, “We are still considered to be among the fastest-growing economies in the Asian region.”