The Philippine government allocated P500 million for the development of the Naval Station Carlito Cunanan in Palawan near the disputed Spratly Islands as part of the government’s Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States.
The Naval Station in Palawan was formerly known as the Ulugan Detachment, the naval station will also serve as a venue for the Philippine Navy’s 116th anniversary on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. The event will be attended by some of the top country’s top military officials, President Aquino will also attend the ceremony.
The P500 million budget allocated by the government for the NSCC will be divided into various expenditures. The P313 million will be spent to improve the pier, harbor, and support facilities at Oyster Bay.
According to Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, the Philippine President will witness the capability demonstration of the Naval Forces West (NFW) Command Center. The NFW is the Philippine Navy’s primary operational command securing the West Philippine Sea, considered as the forefront of territorial defense operations in the Spratly Islands.
Here’s the official statement of Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda:
“As part of the ceremony on Tuesday, the President will witness the capability demonstration of the Naval Forces West (NFW) Command Center and the conceptual master plan of Naval Station Carlito Cunanan (NSCC) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan,”
“Its upgraded command center, equipped with secure communications equipment and a satellite-based vessel tracking system, will further bolster our defense capabilities and ensure stability in the area,” Lacierda said.
“On the other hand, Naval Station Carlito Cunanan has been slated for redevelopment, which includes the rehabilitation of the pier, living quarters, and other support facilities. These efforts are in line with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, through which we hope to further improve our defense capacities,” he added.
