AFP welcomes EDCA implementation in Visayas

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 22, 2023): AFP welcomes EDCA implementation in Visayas (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command has expressed its support and optimism following the agreement of the United States and the Philippines to expand and accelerate the operationalization of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in the country.

In a statement, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, AFP Visayas Command chief, conveyed his optimism as “the implementation of EDCA project in Mactan City will further enhance our preparedness posture and boost our capability to provide prompt humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the region, particularly in Eastern Visayas which is often stricken by calamities.”

The Brigadier General Benito N Ebuen Air Base in Mactan City in Cebu has been identified as one of the five predetermined sites for the implementation of EDCA, which also includes, Antonio Bautista Air Base located in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City

The EDCA is a collaborative agreement intended to strengthen the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, which allows operating mutually agreed areas and facilities.

Signed on April 28, 2014, EDCA provides greater opportunities in enhancing military capability between the two (2) armed forces, as the utilization of the new sites would likely address security challenges and provide prompter Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).

Arevalo emphasized further that “EDCA provides VISCOM an avenue to improve interoperability for a more effective response to any eventualities that may arise in the region, particularly during a disaster”.

https://visayandailystar.com/afp-welcomes-edca-implementation-in-visayas/