Lorenzana tells local maritime industries to help in AFP modernization program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): Lorenzana tells local maritime industries to help in AFP modernization program

Help us modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) especially the Navy.

This was the appeal of Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to local maritime industries during the opening of the PHILMARINE (Philippines Marine) 2017 Conference at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City Tuesday.

In the same vein, he said these industries can support the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program (SRDP) by considering the needs and requirements of the AFP in its ongoing modernization program.

The SRDP Program is a key initiative of the DND to develop the country’s local defense industry with the end in view of eventually sourcing defense materiel from local suppliers thereby boosting the local economy.

Lorenzana said that the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Program have “leveled the playing field for legitimate local industries to build major defense equipment and weapons system for the AFP.”

“With this development, I would like to encourage our domestic maritime industries to dedicate some resources to design, construct, upgrade, and upkeep defense materiel for our Armed Forces,” the DND chief said.

Having a strong and vibrant local maritime industry is especially important as it is in the field of technology that the DND anchors its SRDP," he pointed out.

“This is where our maritime defense industries, which are technology-based, are now called upon to participate,” Lorenzana said.

He, however, called on potential proponents and suppliers to strictly comply with existing procurement rules to avoid delays in the procurement process, which has a far-reaching adverse effect on the operations of the Armed Forces.

“We are all aware how tedious and time-consuming government procurement process is because of numerous documentary requirements and confirmatory actions,” he said.

“It is in this light that I would suggest to prospective suppliers to carefully study the process and avoid short cuts. Many projects have incurred delays or contract rescinded due to questionable documents,” the DND chief added.

“These are only meant to protect taxpayers’ money and not to favor any particular group,” Lorenzana pointed out.

The PHILMARINE (Philippines Marine) 2017 Exhibition and Conferences is open to the public until July 14.

It is the 4th edition of the annual shipbuilding and maritime event that aims to bring together in one venue local and international companies that are involved in maritime and related industries. Among the exhibitors include the DND, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, marine engineering companies, as well as foreign and local suppliers. The said conference is hosted by The Maritime League.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1000406