October 8, 2024 (Manila) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12024 or the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act, focused on growing the country’s domestic production and manufacturing of defense assets and hardware, in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on October 8, 2024.

The revitalization of the country’s SRDP Program aims to develop and establish an independent and dynamic defense system that relies on the country’s own capabilities and resources to support the weapon and materiel requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies.

Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., together with key government officials, witnessed the signing of the law, considered as a priority bill of the Marcos Administration. With a focus on research and development, the SRDP Program will prioritize the promotion of innovations and technological breakthroughs in the defense industry and dual-use technologies.

The law seeks to build up AFP’s capabilities in multiple domains, both traditional and non-traditional, and which will, ultimately, facilitate the attainment of a credible defense posture and self-reliance. By enabling the development of a national defense industry, the law will also harness the potential of local enterprises through collaborative partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) from like-minded countries willing to extend their assistance through transfer of technology.