Navy, PAF kick off ‘DAGIT 2017’ exercise in Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29): Navy, PAF kick off ‘DAGIT 2017’ exercise in Palawan

The Philippine Navy (PN) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Monday morning opened in this city their annual inter-operability exercise dubbed "DAGIT 2017" to improve joint operations against maritime threats.

"DAGIT", the abbreviation for “Dagat and Langit,” said Col. Nestor Florente Rayos, deputy wing commander of the PAF’s 570th Composite Tactical Wing (CTW) in Palawan, would be combined with exercises “Pagsasama” and “Pagsisikap” 2017.

"Pagsisikap" is an inter-operability exercise specifically conducted to train the PN’s fleet and marine forces in amphibious operations, while "Pagsasama" targets to improve the readiness between the reserve units of the two branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“These exercises are now very relevant to the present condition of our country. It calls for a single progressive effort to strengthen the relationship, inter-operability, and enhance mutual cooperation between the PAF and the PN,” Rayos said during his welcome address.

He added that the combined exercise aims to improve proficiency and naturally support the unified command in responding to internal security and territorial defense operation.

For his part, Lt. General Raul del Rosario, commander of the WESCOM, and the guest of honor and keynote speaker of "DAGIT" opening, said that aside from DAGIT’s target to improve and standardize PN-PAF capacity in joint maritime operations for both internal security and territorial defense strategies, “at present the AFP really needs more effective air and naval inter-operability as it acquires new equipment and develop new capabilities.”

“We have to harmonize these new capabilities. Standardization will provide for a better utilization of equipment and resources that shall result to combined operational effectiveness; improved cooperation will eliminate duplication in research, development, production, procurement, and logistic support. Inter-operability will likewise enhance doctrines, training, communication, and the systems that support them,” Del Rosario said in his keynote address.

The WESCOM commander said the "DAGIT" would allow the pulling of resources synergy.

“This is what we want to achieve in 'DAGIT', 'Pagsisikap', and 'Pagsasama 2017'. We, here at WESCOM, are proud that we were chosen as the venue for this exercise,” said Del Rosario, who announced that it was the first time the exercises would be done in Palawan.

He added he believes the province is the right venue considering the maritime nature of WESCOM’s operations.

Navy Captain Chappy Reyes, one of the course directors, said the joint and unilateral exercises will be held from May 29 to June 9 in different areas of Puerto Princesa and southern Palawan.

He said participating assets of the PN will include a frigate, two patrol crafts, one landing craft utility, a naval helicopter, a rigid hull inflatable boat, and personnel from the Philippine Marines Corps (PMC), Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG), Naval Air Group (NAG), and PN reservists.

PAF, on the other hand, will participate with seven aircraft and personnel from the 710th Special Operations Wing (SPOW) and 300th Air Intelligence and Security Group (AISG).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991781