Philippine Defense Reform (PDR)
The RP-US Joint Defense Assessment (JDA) completed in 2003 identified capability gaps needed to be addressed to allow the AFP to effectively execute its plans and strategies and accomplish its missions.The assessment of the defense and military establishment that was completed in 2003 also led to the formulation of the Philippine Defense Reform (PDR) program. Key recommendations based on the JDA became the basis of the 10-point PDR agenda, which essentially address not only the deficiencies found within the core competencies in the defense and military establishment but also their systemic and strategic root causes. The PDR provides the framework for introducing a comprehensive, institutional, structural and systemic reform package at the strategic level for the defense and military establishment. Under the PDR, ten (10) key areas of reform will receive sustained focus:
1. IMPLEMENTATION OF A STRATEGY-DRIVEN, MULTI-YEAR DEFENSE PLANNING SYSTEM (MYDPS)
A planning, programming and budgeting system that will undertake multi year defense planning will enhance defense resource management in the DND and the AFP. It will enforce fiscal responsibility by enabling the DND and the AFP to outline specific strategies, define objectives, identify needed capabilities and resources to be provided under anticipated financial limits.
2. IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATIONAL AND TRAINING CAPACITY
Improvement of operational and training capacity of the AFP enjoys a high priority in the comprehensive reform agenda for the AFP under the PDR. The backlog of training for the AFP will be addressed focusing on training for commanders, non-commissioned officers and units. Emphasis will also be given to the development of doctrines, training and operations of joint forces that involve the utilization of land, maritime and air forces under a unified command.
3. IMPROVEMENT OF LOGISTICS CAPACITY
The lack of needed logistics in the frontlines has been used as an excuse for the practice referred to in the Feliciano Commission report as "conversion." evidently, there is a need to improve the logistics capacity of the AFP to address this.
Improvement of logistics capacity involves the enhancement of operational readiness and reliability rates for all platforms and weapons systems as well as the logistics efficiency of key AFP systems. This will entail improvements in planned maintenance and maintenance procedures, supply chain management, automated supply management system, inventory controls and logistics training.
4. IMPROVING OPERATIONAL LEVEL EXPERTISE BY ADDRESSING ORGANIZATIONAL, MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL SYSTEMIC DEFICIENCIES (STAFF DEVELOPMENT)
The staff development program of the DND and AFP shall include the development of expertise and management skills in the DND and AFP in critical areas or functions that directly impact on the AFP's capability to plan, support and execute effective operations.
5. IMPROVEMENT OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Improvement of personnel management systems in the DND and AFP shall include: (1) review and evaluation of personnel policies and personnel management systems; (2) realignment of AFP force structure to address strategy, threat and mission; (3) reduction of personnel costs; and (4) automation of the personnel management information systems.
6. PLANNING, PROGRAMMING AND EXECUTION OF A MULTI-YEAR CAPABILITY UPGRADE PROGRAM FOR THE AFP
As previously discussed, for the mid-term, the 6-year AFP capability upgrade program for the AFP will focus on the basic requirements of the AFP to improve its capabilities in fulfilling its missions in pursuit of its internal security operations.
7. OPTIMIZING THE DEFENSE BUDGET AND IMPROVING MANAGEMENT CONTROLS
This will feature needed improvements in the generation of requirements for planning, budgeting for the DND and AFP as well as the creation of structures and systems for oversight within the DND and the AFP major services to manage resources and requirements from planning to execution.
8. CREATING A PROFESSIONAL ACQUISITION WORKFORCE AND ESTABLISHING A CENTRALLY MANAGED DEFENSE ACQUISITION SYSTEM
A defense acquisition system will be established in the DND and the AFP manned by a competent and professional acquisition workforce capable of requirements generation, planning, accountability, reporting and acquisition. The defense acquisition system will be capable of evolving effective acquisition strategies, and policies as well as efficient processes and organizations. In preparation for the transition, the DND and AFP shall establish mechanisms and structures that will serve as precursors for the establishment of a defense acquisition system.
9. INCREASING CAPABILITY OF THE AFP TO CONDUCT CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS
To diminish the underlying socio-economic conditions and spur development in the countryside, the DND and AFP shall support efforts of the government that will facilitate the entry of economic enterprises in conflict areas. The DND and AFP will also encourage government departments and agencies to identify and intensify particular programs and action plans that support the counter-insurgency campaign funded under their corresponding budgets. The DND will also support the enhancement of convergence of government efforts at addressing the root causes of the insurgency.
10. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Information management shall support and enhance the decision-making system of the DND and AFP through management of information, information systems and technologies. It aims to establish an enterprise information system that efficiently facilitates the flow of information and knowledge, and that enhances information-sharing while assuring security and relevance, in order to ensure right decisions. Two important steps in this undertaking will be establishing an effective strategic framework; and, assuring that information being used is interoperable, interrelated, timely, available, secure, and that operations, systems and technology are addressed and conform to the existing standards.
The overall direction of the PDR is to enhance DND and AFP capabilities from a strategic and comprehensive perspective. The PDR will provide institutional, structural and systemic reforms that will address the current deficiencies in the DND and the AFP that breed corruption, waste and inefficiency. These reforms are based on templates for defense reform that have been tried and tested in several countries that have undertaken similar reform measures in the past.
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