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DND and AFP: Transforming while Performing

Through the years, the Philippines has been beset by insurgencies and other security challenges that have undeniably marred and stalled lasting economic growth and development. The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have endeavored to address these threats but to date, they continue to be among the most pressing concerns confronting the country.

In an effort to address these threats, the DND and AFP are currently focused on four policy thrusts:

  • Implement the Philippine Defense Reform (PDR);
  • Upgrade the capability of the AFP;
  • Support the peace process; and
  • Enhance the capacity to fight terrorism.
The PDR, the top policy thrust, is aptly expressed in the words of Defense Secretary Avelino J. Cruz, Jr. when he said, "through the PDR, we will introduce comprehensive, institutional and systemic reforms in the DND and AFP." With Secretary Cruz at the helm, the defense establishment is committed to transform its institutions while it performs its duty of protecting the country against security threats.

The PDR grew out of the Joint Defense Assessment (JDA), a series of assessment of the AFP's capability that started in 1999. Completed in 2003, the JDA identified 65 key areas and 207 ancillary areas of concern that were ultimately distilled into 10 key recommendations. The latter, in turn, was translated into 10 interrelated programs that form the core of the PDR, namely:
  • Multi-Year Defense Planning System;
  • Improvement of Operations and Training Capacity;
  • Improvement of Logistics Capacity;
  • Staff Development Program;
  • Improve of Personnel Management System;
  • Multi-Year Capability Upgrade to Push AFP Modernization;
  • Optimization of Defense Budget and Improvement of Management controls;
  • Centrally-Managed Defense Acquisition System Manned by a Professional Acquisition Workforce;
  • Improvement of Civil-Military Operations Capability; and
  • Development of Information Management Capability.
As a broad reform agenda, PDR will set in place long-term changes in the defense establishment while addressing short-term reforms. It aims to address systemic deficiencies and their root causes in areas such as strategic/policy planning, budgeting, resource management and supply chain management. Overall, PDR envisions a transformed DND and AFP capable of responding to current and emerging threats.

Under the framework of PDR, structural reforms within the organization may require legislation. One important reform of this sorts is setting a fixed three-year term for the AFP Chief of Staff "to give him a reasonably longer time to do the job that he is set to do," as Secretary Cruz points out.

Another vital area of reform under the PDR is the AFP logistics system. In the existing set-up, insurgency becomes a valid consideration for the AFP to have a certain degree of latitude in obtaining its logistical requirements. In combat situation for instance, quick decisions have to be made, thus the luxury of time to go through the standard processes becomes impossible. Commanders in the field must have everything in their hands to carry out the missions and simultaneously, operational enablers cannot be restrained to ensure success of the operations. Thus, PDR shall correct the deficiencies and constraints in the AFP logistics system without jeopardizing the accomplishment of missions.

The PDR shall lay a strong foundation for upgrading the capability of the AFP.

PDR, though broad and long-term, has already paved the way for high-impact reforms within the AFP.

Assured of the fulfillment of reform requirements and with the active involvement of all stakeholders, Usec Carolina is optimistic and confident that genuine reforms will be put in place at the DND and AFP.

 
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