Sees lots of benefits
TACLOBAN CITY—The proposed establishment of a naval base in Leyte, initiated through a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, has gained the support of Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez.
Romualdez, who chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council, said that having such a facility in the province and Eastern Visayas would be a significant advantage.
“Yes, I welcome it. You know, they wouldn’t propose a naval base without thorough study. There is always a reason behind it,” he said when asked for his reaction to the resolution.
Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., emphasized that aside from enhancing security, a naval base could also help attract investors to the region and even during a disaster situation.
“If it boosts security and even business confidence, why not? In the last 10 to 15 years, we’ve seen naval bases provide critical support, especially during typhoons and other disasters,” the city mayor said.
He dismissed concerns that establishing a naval base in Leyte could make the province a potential target for foreign attacks.
“No other country will invade us. That won’t happen,” Romualdez said.
The Leyte provincial board passed the resolution on Dec. 3, inviting the Department of National Defense (DND) to construct a naval and airstrip facility in Leyte.
Board Member Carlo Loreto, the proposal’s author, said the facility would enhance security in the province and the entire region, while also contributing to economic growth and disaster response efforts.
Leyte’s strategic location, he added, makes it an ideal site for a naval base.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro previously announced plans to construct additional naval bases and airstrips across the country as part of the DND’s efforts to strengthen national defense capabilities.
These facilities are also intended to support the Philippine Navy’s new assets under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
Earlier, Teodoro confirmed plans to establish a new naval base in Misamis Oriental, which will serve as the Philippine Navy’s central operations hub in Mindanao.
(JOEY A.GABIETA)
