MANILA – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is pushing for the accelerated development of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and an expanded strategic presence in the Kalayaan Island Group as the country strengthens its archipelagic defense capabilities.
Speaking at the PMC’s 76th anniversary celebration at Fort Bonifacio on Saturday, Teodoro said the Marines must expand their capabilities and establish strategic operating bases to strengthen their role in implementing the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
“As Major General [Bob] Apostol had said, the footprint of the Philippine Marine Corps of four marine brigades and one service support brigade for 7,600 islands is way, way too small,” Teodoro said, referring to the PMC commandant.
He stressed the need to maintain a credible presence and deterrence in the Kalayaan Island Group, requiring closer coordination among the Marines, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Coast Guard.
The PMC is the naval infantry force under the Philippine Navy, tasked with conducting amphibious, expeditionary and special operations missions.
Teodoro called for a sustainable but urgent expansion plan for the Marines, including the establishment of strategic operating bases that could be co-located with other military facilities or built independently.
He also underscored the need to strengthen logistical readiness and maintain adequate physical reserves amid tightening global supply chains and increasing competition for resources.
“The notional reserves that we have are not sufficient. Physical custody and possession of reserves is the name of the game now,” he said.
Teodoro said the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., are working to accelerate defense modernization and readiness initiatives.
He also highlighted the importance of multilateral military exercises and stronger professional ties with foreign marine forces in identifying appropriate tactics, technologies and equipment suited to the country’s operational environment.
Beyond capability development, Teodoro called for greater investment in future military leaders through mentorship, cross-training, international engagement and early exposure to leadership responsibilities. (Darryl John Esguerra and Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)
DEFENSE READINESS. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. delivers a speech during the Philippine Marine Corps’ 76th anniversary celebration at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Saturday (Nov. 7, 2026). Teodoro called on the Marines to expand their capabilities and establish strategic operating bases to strengthen their role in implementing the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. (Photo courtesy of DND)
