Elected officials in Leyte province are urging the national government to explore the establishment of a naval base and military airstrip in the area.
Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez has underscored the strategic advantages these facilities would offer not only to Leyte but also to the wider Eastern Visayas region.
In a recent interview, Mayor Romualdez, reflecting on the historical significance of the location where Allied Forces landed under General Douglas MacArthur in 1944, expressed his support for a resolution passed by the Provincial Board on December 3, which encourages the Department of National Defense (DND) to study the development of these military installations in Leyte.
“I welcome it. Proposing a naval base is a significant step, typically backed by comprehensive studies,” Romualdez stated, also noting his role as chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council.
He stressed that the development of a naval base and airstrip would not only enhance security but also create a more attractive climate for investors, remarking, “If this fosters security and boosts business confidence, it’s a worthwhile endeavor.
“Over the past fifteen years, we've seen how naval bases played a crucial role in disaster response during typhoons and other emergencies,” he said.
Addressing fears regarding potential foreign aggression stemming from the establishment of a naval base, Romualdez reassured that the benefits would far outweigh the risks, reiterating the importance of these developments for regional stability and connectivity.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has already outlined plans for additional naval bases and airstrips throughout the Philippines, which aligns with the DND’s strategy to enhance national defense capabilities.
This initiative supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines' modernization program, aimed at improving operations of the Philippine Navy.
Teodoro recently confirmed the establishment of a new naval base in Misamis Oriental, which is set to become the Philippine Navy’s central operations hub in Mindanao.
The proposed military facilities in Leyte would further these initiatives, strengthening national defense while promoting local economic growth and resilience.
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