Marcos approves National Security Policy

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the adoption of the National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028 to effectively address national security challenges, Malacañang announced Saturday.

Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Marcos, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, signed on August 10 Executive Order (EO) 37, approving and adopting the policy that “is consistent with his vision of a free, united, secure, peaceful, resilient and prosperous Philippines.”

In his order, the President directed all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs) to adopt NSP 2023-2028 in the formulation and implementation of their security-related strategies and programs.

“There is a need to harmonize the national security efforts of the government and ensure that they are responsive and complementary to the development goals and objectives set forth in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” Marcos said.

The President also ordered the national government agencies and instrumentalities to actively participate in the implementation of the NSP 2023-2028 to achieve a whole-of-government approach to addressing national security issues and priorities, consistent with their mandates, in their respective areas of expertise or jurisdiction.

Under the reporting and monitoring section, the NSP 2023-2028 is tasked to conduct a periodic assessment and submit reports to the President and the National Security Council (NSC) on the implementation of the NSP and to coordinate with various national government agencies and instrumentalities.

“For this purpose, the NSC, through the NSA, shall monitor the implementation of the NSP 2023-2028, and upon consultation with and concurrence of relevant government agencies, GOCCS, and LGUs, shall propose memoranda, circulars and other orders related to the implementation thereof, for the approval of the President,” Marcos said.

The NSP 2023-2028 was formulated in coordination and consultation with key government agencies and instrumentalities with the participation of various stakeholders to provide guidance and a comprehensive approach to improving security sector governance to effectively address national security challenges.

All national security-related strategies and the plans and programs of all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs and LGUs are aligned with the NSP 2023-2028 for its successful whole-of-government implementation.

EO 37, which was released to the public on August 12, shall take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

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