By DR. JESUS P. ESTANISLAO
Saturday, September 17, 2010
As a unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Navy (PN) operates on the basis of budgetary allocations that the national government provides and releases to it. This amount has always been subject to severe constraints: the Navy is always called upon to do so much on the basis of so little.
There is little the Navy can do about the budgetary allocations the General Appropriations Act provides for the AFP in general and for the PN in particular.
Thus, under the priority of “balanced financial programs,” one of two priorities listed under the resources perspective, the PN puts forward this initiative, to strengthen PN fiscal administration. The first measure of success under this initiative is keep at 100% the rate of obligation, i.e., ensure that the entire budgeted amount and released to the PN is duly and properly obligated and deployed. The other measure of success is to keep at zero Commission on Audit (COA) exceptions: the Navy plays by CoA rules and regulations, and intends to stay well within their ambit.
There is a limit, however, to what can be done under such stringent fiscal straits. Despite the inventiveness and creativity of PN personnel, inevitably budgetary tightness has long-term consequences. “Having to make do with so little” imposes severe constraints on the modernization of the fleet and the needed capital and other requirements of a modern Navy serving such a huge maritime area that the Philippines is blessed with. The President himself in his first State-of-the-Nation Address in July, 2010, specifically referred to the “MacArthur vintage” of some of our Navy ships, which miraculously are being made to run and operate in large part due to the maintenance expertise of PN personnel.
It is against this background that the second priority under this perspective should be understood. That priority is to secure “adequate financial resources” for the Navy Sail Plan. This priority is in line with the AFP modernization program, which calls for a sustainable non-traditional resource generating system for the PN. This means looking for other sources of funds that the Navy can use for its fleet modernization as well as its capital and other requirements. The President mentioned the Navy as a specific case under his proposed public-private partnership. Under such a partnership, with Navy land and other assets properly and judiciously deployed, the PN should start building a trust fund in 2011.
The initial amount targeted for 2011 is small: Only half a billion pesos. This amount should rise each year by half a billion pesos until 2013. The target for 2020 is modest at only five billion pesos: It is from the earnings of this fund that the Navy should be able to find the much needed supplement to the budgetary allocation it gets through the annual General Appropriations Act.
In fact, more broadly, through public-private partnership, the PN can have access to extra-budgetary resources that can be made available for its programs. The key lies in properly packaging the programs that can be funded under PPP arrangements; this would entail due observance of all relevant laws and proper practices of transparent, accountable governance that the President has called for.
The PN has already taken various steps in the direction of building a multi-sector governance coalition that would assist it in raising the standards of governance that it practices. It is also beginning to find out that with the commitment of such a coalition whose membership is drawn from various sectors of the Philippine community, it has many doors leading to additional financial resources it can tap for the critical priorities it included in its Sail Plan.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Marines Get New Combat Gadgets
By PNA
Manila Bulletin, Friday, September 16, 2010
The fighting capability of the troops from the Philippine Marines Corp (PMC) will be further enhanced with the acquisition of new gadgets, a top military official disclosed Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino, Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) commander, said the PMC recently acquired nightfighting system gadgets.
Most if not all of the battalions of the PMC’s three brigades are deployed within the area of jurisdiction of the Wesmincom that stretches from Tawi-Tawi up to Misamis Occidental.
Dolorfino said the night-fighting system gadgets are a combination of night-vision goggle and target system that are shock- and water-proof.
“It will give us complete nightfighting capability and accuracy,” he said.
Dolorfino said previously the troops could only see their enemy during night time using their nightvision goggles. But there is no target accuracy that the newly-acquired gadgets provide, he said.
He said the PMC is set to train personnel on the use of the newly-acquired gadgets for their eventual use in the fight against bandits belonging to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
“Definitely, marami ang matutumba na ASG (many ASG members will fall),” he said.
Dolorfino’s command is running after at least 300 ASG bandits, including Jemaah Islamiyah militant Marwan, whose real name is Zulkifli bin Hir, and reportedly hiding in the province of Sulu.
Marwan is a Malaysian national and an engineer by profession.
The United States government is offering a reward of up to $ 5 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Marwan, a terrorist believed to be involved in multiple deadly bomb attacks in the Philippines.
Of the remaining 300 Abu Sayyaf bandits, 200 of them are hiding in the province of Sulu while the 100 are in the province of Basilan, Dolorfino said.
Manila Bulletin, Friday, September 16, 2010
The fighting capability of the troops from the Philippine Marines Corp (PMC) will be further enhanced with the acquisition of new gadgets, a top military official disclosed Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino, Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) commander, said the PMC recently acquired nightfighting system gadgets.
Most if not all of the battalions of the PMC’s three brigades are deployed within the area of jurisdiction of the Wesmincom that stretches from Tawi-Tawi up to Misamis Occidental.
Dolorfino said the night-fighting system gadgets are a combination of night-vision goggle and target system that are shock- and water-proof.
“It will give us complete nightfighting capability and accuracy,” he said.
Dolorfino said previously the troops could only see their enemy during night time using their nightvision goggles. But there is no target accuracy that the newly-acquired gadgets provide, he said.
He said the PMC is set to train personnel on the use of the newly-acquired gadgets for their eventual use in the fight against bandits belonging to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
“Definitely, marami ang matutumba na ASG (many ASG members will fall),” he said.
Dolorfino’s command is running after at least 300 ASG bandits, including Jemaah Islamiyah militant Marwan, whose real name is Zulkifli bin Hir, and reportedly hiding in the province of Sulu.
Marwan is a Malaysian national and an engineer by profession.
The United States government is offering a reward of up to $ 5 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Marwan, a terrorist believed to be involved in multiple deadly bomb attacks in the Philippines.
Of the remaining 300 Abu Sayyaf bandits, 200 of them are hiding in the province of Sulu while the 100 are in the province of Basilan, Dolorfino said.
3 PN Priorities
By DR. JESUS P. ESTANISLAO
Manila Bulletin, Thursday, September 15, 2010
Under the organization perspective, the Philippine Navy (PN) has listed three priorities, for which it presents several performance scorecards – each with initiatives, measures, and targets.
Under the first priority of “sound and appropriate and maritime doctrines," the initiative proposed is the validation of the soundness of maritime doctrines developed. Here, the measure is a percentage: Of the required doctrines developed, what is the percentage of those fully validated for appropriateness and soundness. The current base in 2010 is listed at only 10 percent. The targets for 2011, 2012, and 2013 are 20 percent, 30 percent, and 40 percent, respectively. For 2020, the target is 90-95 percent.
A lay observer who looks at this performance scorecard is left awed by the effort that must go into the validation of the appropriateness and soundness of the doctrines developed. The effort may involve continuing assessment and dynamic reformulation, taking into account the changing seascape that would confront the Philippines as a maritime nation. This initiative leaves a clear impression of the imperative for the Navy to develop a high level of strategic thinking, which has to be adapted to the particular circumstances of the fast-changing environment within which our nation operates.
The second priority of a “responsive naval reservists’ program” is to be pursued through the following initiative, to institute a sustainable PN reservists system. Two concrete measures, with corresponding targets, are proposed to monitor progress under this specific initiative. The first is the percentage fill-up of reservist positions: Starting at less than 20 percent in 2010, this should move up to 23 percent in 2011; 50 percent in 2012, 53 percent in 2013, and eventually 100 percent in 2020. The second is the reservists training readiness profile. This is now at 65 percent in 2010. The targets for the immediate succeeding years ahead are: 70 percent in 2011, 75 percent in 2012, 80 percent in 2013. By 2020, this percentage should hit 95 percent.
This initiative underscores the outreach program the Navy has to undertake with a view to winning many highly qualified applicants to its reservists’ program. Moreover, such a program should be designed to inculcate the core values in the PN Governance Charter, including deep loyalty and very high level commitment to – duly accompanied by competence required by – the PN Mission.
The third priority of a “dynamic and responsive naval organization” calls for two initiatives that the PN has committed to undertake. The first of these is to institute a reliable and responsive PN force structure. The proposed measure of progress for this initiative is the completion rate of the desired force structure. Now at 80 percent in 2010, this moves up to 90 percent in 2011 before finally reaching 100 percent as early as 2012. It will be maintained at that percent completion rate from 2013 onwards. The second initiative is to pursue ISO-certified PN systems. The measure of progress is straightforward: The number of PN units with ISO certification. In 2010, the figure set is one. Each year up to 2013, there should be one more PN unit obtaining ISO certification, and this increase should be sustained until the number reaches 10 PN units ISO-certified in 2020.
Benchmarking against global best practices and therefore obtaining ISO certification for various PN units would constitute an important step forward. They need to be complemented with the usual creativity and inventiveness of all Navy personnel: They are always called upon to innovate and bring up to the highest possible standard of effectiveness all processes within the organization, despite the perennial constraints under which the PN operates.
Manila Bulletin, Thursday, September 15, 2010
Under the organization perspective, the Philippine Navy (PN) has listed three priorities, for which it presents several performance scorecards – each with initiatives, measures, and targets.
Under the first priority of “sound and appropriate and maritime doctrines," the initiative proposed is the validation of the soundness of maritime doctrines developed. Here, the measure is a percentage: Of the required doctrines developed, what is the percentage of those fully validated for appropriateness and soundness. The current base in 2010 is listed at only 10 percent. The targets for 2011, 2012, and 2013 are 20 percent, 30 percent, and 40 percent, respectively. For 2020, the target is 90-95 percent.
A lay observer who looks at this performance scorecard is left awed by the effort that must go into the validation of the appropriateness and soundness of the doctrines developed. The effort may involve continuing assessment and dynamic reformulation, taking into account the changing seascape that would confront the Philippines as a maritime nation. This initiative leaves a clear impression of the imperative for the Navy to develop a high level of strategic thinking, which has to be adapted to the particular circumstances of the fast-changing environment within which our nation operates.
The second priority of a “responsive naval reservists’ program” is to be pursued through the following initiative, to institute a sustainable PN reservists system. Two concrete measures, with corresponding targets, are proposed to monitor progress under this specific initiative. The first is the percentage fill-up of reservist positions: Starting at less than 20 percent in 2010, this should move up to 23 percent in 2011; 50 percent in 2012, 53 percent in 2013, and eventually 100 percent in 2020. The second is the reservists training readiness profile. This is now at 65 percent in 2010. The targets for the immediate succeeding years ahead are: 70 percent in 2011, 75 percent in 2012, 80 percent in 2013. By 2020, this percentage should hit 95 percent.
This initiative underscores the outreach program the Navy has to undertake with a view to winning many highly qualified applicants to its reservists’ program. Moreover, such a program should be designed to inculcate the core values in the PN Governance Charter, including deep loyalty and very high level commitment to – duly accompanied by competence required by – the PN Mission.
The third priority of a “dynamic and responsive naval organization” calls for two initiatives that the PN has committed to undertake. The first of these is to institute a reliable and responsive PN force structure. The proposed measure of progress for this initiative is the completion rate of the desired force structure. Now at 80 percent in 2010, this moves up to 90 percent in 2011 before finally reaching 100 percent as early as 2012. It will be maintained at that percent completion rate from 2013 onwards. The second initiative is to pursue ISO-certified PN systems. The measure of progress is straightforward: The number of PN units with ISO certification. In 2010, the figure set is one. Each year up to 2013, there should be one more PN unit obtaining ISO certification, and this increase should be sustained until the number reaches 10 PN units ISO-certified in 2020.
Benchmarking against global best practices and therefore obtaining ISO certification for various PN units would constitute an important step forward. They need to be complemented with the usual creativity and inventiveness of all Navy personnel: They are always called upon to innovate and bring up to the highest possible standard of effectiveness all processes within the organization, despite the perennial constraints under which the PN operates.
Defense contract review for multi-role vehicle purchase done in 1 month
By Jaime Laude
The Philippine Star, Thursday, September 16, 2010
The review of the P10 billion defense contract for the purchase of two Multi-Role Vessels (MRVs) from South Korea will be completed in a month’s time, a senior South Korean official said yesterday.
South Korean defense attaché to the Philippines Col. Kim Yi Kon said the review of the contract to purchase, entered into by the previous defense leadership, is now underway.
In his remaining weeks as defense chief, then secretary Norberto Gonzales ordered the deferment of the bidding process to favor a government-to-government acquisition for the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The rush was largely due to Gonzales’ eagerness to strike a huge military deal with friendly states to re-equip the AFP major commands before the P330 billion AFP modernization program expires this year.
Gonzales then noted that out of the staggering defense budget to purchase military hardware only P30 billion were used.
Aside from the two MRVs for the Navy, bankrolled by the 2009 and 2010 AFP modernization program, Gonzales also was able to strike a deal with the Polish government to purchase eight brand-new combat utility helicopters for P3.2 billion.
But when the administration of President Aquino came in, a review of these multi-billion defense contracts entered into by Gonzales was ordered, in effort to cast aside speculations that these were part of the midnight deals by the Arroyo administration.
“We are not saying that something is wrong with these defense contracts which have not been perfected yet. We are just reviewing these to determine if all are aboveboard,” Defense spokesman Eduardo Batac said in an earlier interview.
Kim said that once the review is completed and approved by the new defense leadership, it would take sometime before these two MRVs can be delivered to the Philippine Navy.
Kim made the statement during a media briefing on the preparations for the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.
The Philippines, as among the countries that fought during the Korean War, was represented by the Philippine Marines to the five-day Wonju Tattoo International Military and Marching Bands Music Festival at Gangwan-Do, South Korea.
Marine spokesman Capt. Alden Gwyn Amargo said the crowd was impressed by the showmanship of the Philippine Marines, compared to the large delegation from their counterparts from Russia, Mexico, Thailand, New Zealand, Taiwan, the US and the South Korean Marines.
He said the Philippine Marine band had earned admiration from their counterparts for their musical and drill performances.
“Of the 11 participating military and marching bands, the Philippine Marine Corps Marine Drum Bugle Team has the least number of performers.
The Philippine Star, Thursday, September 16, 2010
The review of the P10 billion defense contract for the purchase of two Multi-Role Vessels (MRVs) from South Korea will be completed in a month’s time, a senior South Korean official said yesterday.
South Korean defense attaché to the Philippines Col. Kim Yi Kon said the review of the contract to purchase, entered into by the previous defense leadership, is now underway.
In his remaining weeks as defense chief, then secretary Norberto Gonzales ordered the deferment of the bidding process to favor a government-to-government acquisition for the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The rush was largely due to Gonzales’ eagerness to strike a huge military deal with friendly states to re-equip the AFP major commands before the P330 billion AFP modernization program expires this year.
Gonzales then noted that out of the staggering defense budget to purchase military hardware only P30 billion were used.
Aside from the two MRVs for the Navy, bankrolled by the 2009 and 2010 AFP modernization program, Gonzales also was able to strike a deal with the Polish government to purchase eight brand-new combat utility helicopters for P3.2 billion.
But when the administration of President Aquino came in, a review of these multi-billion defense contracts entered into by Gonzales was ordered, in effort to cast aside speculations that these were part of the midnight deals by the Arroyo administration.
“We are not saying that something is wrong with these defense contracts which have not been perfected yet. We are just reviewing these to determine if all are aboveboard,” Defense spokesman Eduardo Batac said in an earlier interview.
Kim said that once the review is completed and approved by the new defense leadership, it would take sometime before these two MRVs can be delivered to the Philippine Navy.
Kim made the statement during a media briefing on the preparations for the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.
The Philippines, as among the countries that fought during the Korean War, was represented by the Philippine Marines to the five-day Wonju Tattoo International Military and Marching Bands Music Festival at Gangwan-Do, South Korea.
Marine spokesman Capt. Alden Gwyn Amargo said the crowd was impressed by the showmanship of the Philippine Marines, compared to the large delegation from their counterparts from Russia, Mexico, Thailand, New Zealand, Taiwan, the US and the South Korean Marines.
He said the Philippine Marine band had earned admiration from their counterparts for their musical and drill performances.
“Of the 11 participating military and marching bands, the Philippine Marine Corps Marine Drum Bugle Team has the least number of performers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)