The Philippine Defense Reform (PDR)
The Philippine Defense Reform (PDR) Program is an integrated defense reform framework that coherently addresses the sytemic deficiences identified following a joint RP-US comprehensive review (Joint Defense Assessment) of the Philippine Defense capabilities and requirements last 2003. In a joint statement made in the same year, both the Philippine and US Presidents stated a commitment to address the findings of the JDA. This provided the basis for both countries to implement the PDR program from 2004 to 2010.
The goal of the PDR program is to realize the progressive transformation of the defense establishment for the benefit of the AFP to be capable in accomplishing the Defense mission and be fit and ready for the future. From its initial years of implementation, the PDR evolved from the original 10 programs and endeavored to realize the following projects;
12 programs;
DND-led Programs
Integration of Defense System of Management (DSOM)
Professional Development for Defense Civilians,
AFP-focused Programs
Improvement of Personnel Management System
Improvement of Ijtelligence Capacity
Improvement of operations capacity
Education and Training Development for Military Personnel
Improvement of Logistics and Acquisition Capacity
Information Management Development Program
Strategic Communication Development / CMO
Reserve Force Development
Enhanced Inspector General Service
Improvement of Forward Health Service Support Capability
3 high priority projects;
Manpower management System (MMS)
Doctrine Development
Improvement of Psychological operations capacity
and 2 priority concerns;
Professional Enlisted Development (PED)
Batallion of Excellence (BOE)
Funds for PDR program come from three sources; the annual appropriations from 2007 to 2010 (P754.763M), Philippine counterpart fund deposited in a US bank ($28.5M) and from the US counterpart ($61.21M).
After seven years, PDR has implemented 12 programs and 121 projects of which 23 are completed, 72 are on-going and 12 have been approved but waiting for fund transfer and 14 are in the pipeline for approval.
Considering its gains, it is concluded that the PDR program can transform the defense establishment into an effective, efficient and corruption-free institution. To ensure the continuity of its programs especially those that that need development beyond 2010 and to institutionalize programs that were completed, continuation of PDR for another 6 years and its inclusion for funding in CY2011 annual appropriatons are recommended.
