THE Navy is marking its 116th foundation anniversary in front of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) where the disputed Spratly Islands is situated. President Aquino is expected to grace the ceremony.
Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Gerald Fabic said the Navy anniversary on May 20 is being held at headquarters of the Naval Forces West in Ulugan Bay in Puerto Princesa City to “showcase the upgrade of the naval station, of the Naval Forces West headquarters.”
Fabic said the military earmarked P500 million for the development of the Navy facility. “It’s programmed for capability upgrade so it can house large vessels, including the SSV (strategic sealift vessels) and two new frigates,” he also said.
The Department of National Defense is in the process of acquiring two SSVs and two frigates through public bidding. The SSV and frigate projects have an approved budget of P4 billion and P18 billion, respectively.
Last year, the celebration of the Navy’s 115th foundation anniversary was held at the headquarters of the Navy Sea Systems Command in Fort San Felipe in Cavite City, where Navy officials showcased the capability of their shipyard.
“This time, we are holding it in Palawan,” said Fabic, adding the claimants of the Spratly Islands should not treat the celebration as a form of agitation. The oil and minerals rich Spratly Islands is being claimed in part or in whole by the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei.
“They shouldn’t (be agitated) because, first of all, we already have existing facilities there. It (Ulugan Bay) serves as the headquarters of the Naval Forces West and its programmed for a P500-million development,” he said.
Two Hamilton-class cutters acquired from the United States are known to operate in the West Philippine Sea. The two ships also cover the northern part of the country, where the Scarborough Shoal (claimed by Philippines and China) is situated.
President Aquino is expected to attend the anniversary celebration as guest of honor and speaker. “Traditionally, it’s the commander-in-chief who gets invited during the anniversary of major services,” Fabic said.
China announced a 12.2 percent increase its defense budget for this year. It said the budget, now at $132 billion, will be used to beef up its coastal and air defense and develop more hi-tech weapons.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said the Philippines is undaunted and assured the public that government will continue to defend its territory.
Coloma said the Aquino government’s focus is on social services, particularly human and economic development and poverty reduction.
“A nation’s budget reflects its government priorities. As for our own, our highest priority is human development, poverty reduction and social protection. That is why the biggest slice of our P2.7-trillion 2014 budget is P843 billion for this sector. This represents a 20 percent increase over 2013. We are not daunted by other countries’ defense spending. We are determined to continue protecting our national territory while being focused on our economic development priorities,” he said.
The Philippines is preparing a formal pleading regarding China’s claim over several territories in the South China Sea, which would be submitted by the end of this month.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/navy-sets-%E2%80%98show-force%E2%80%99-mark-116th-foundation
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