Local defense industry revitalization advanced with new law signing

DAVAO CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12024, known as the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act, on October 8, 2024, during a ceremony at Malacañan Palace. This legislation aims to enhance the country’s domestic production and manufacturing of defense assets and hardware.

The revitalization of the SRDP Program is designed to establish an independent and dynamic defense system that relies on the Philippines’ own capabilities and resources to meet the weapon and materiel requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies.

Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., along with key government officials, attended the signing of this priority bill for the Marcos Administration. The SRDP Program emphasizes research and development, prioritizing innovations and technological breakthroughs in the defense sector, as well as dual-use technologies.

The law aims to strengthen the AFP’s capabilities across both traditional and non-traditional domains, ultimately facilitating a credible defense posture and promoting self-reliance. By fostering the development of a national defense industry, the law will also leverage local enterprises through collaborative partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) from like-minded countries willing to provide technology transfer assistance.