(TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
In response to DND’s expansion plan
TACLOBAN CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte has approved a resolution during its regular session on Tuesday, December 3, inviting the Department of National Defense (DND) to consider the province as a site for its expansion plans to establish naval bases and airstrips across the country.
“I moved that we invite the DND to build their Visayas facility in Leyte, as we are strategically located in the heart of the region,” said Board Member Carlo Loreto, the resolution’s author, in an online interview on Wednesday, December 4.
Loreto emphasized that consultations with various sectors would be conducted to address potential opposition to the proposal.
He noted that resolutions from local governments hosting the facility would also be required to confirm their support.
Despite the need for consultations, Loreto expressed optimism about public backing for the initiative, citing its potential to enhance both defense and economic opportunities.
“I’m confident that logic will prevail over irrational bias,” he said.
“Enemies will stay away because Leyte will have more naval ships, warplanes, and uniformed personnel in the vicinity. What this proposal is sure to attract are investments in ancillary industries such as restaurants, warehouses, hotels, and other commercial establishments, creating more businesses and meaningful employment opportunities,” Loreto, who once served as vice governor of the province, added.
The proposal highlights Leyte’s commitment to contributing to national security while fostering economic development through strategic defense investments, Loreto further said.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro announced plans to construct additional naval bases and airstrips nationwide as part of the DND’s strategy to bolster the country’s defense capabilities. These facilities will also support, in particular, the Philippine Navy’s new assets under the AFP Modernization Program.
This week, Teodoro confirmed plans to build a new naval base in Misamis Oriental, which will serve as the Philippine Navy’s central operations hub in Mindanao.
Loreto further stated that identifying the specific site for the proposed facility in Leyte would be the responsibility of DND experts.
“The DND will have technical experts to select areas based on their specific parameters. Even the designs and layouts will only be accessible to officials with the proper clearances,” he explained.
JOEY A. GABIETA/ ROEL T. AMAZONA
