Nearly Half of Filipinos Prioritize AFP and Coast Guard
Modernization to Strengthen Maritime Security
A growing number of Filipinos believe that strengthening the
country's defense forces should remain at the forefront of government policy as
tensions over maritime territory continue to shape national security concerns.
A nationwide survey commissioned by the Stratbase Institute
and conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) found that 45% of Filipinos
identified the continued modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as the government's most important
measure for safeguarding the country's maritime rights.
The survey was carried out from June 20 to 29, shortly after
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed support for increasing the
country's defense budget to as much as 4% of gross domestic product. The
proposed increase aims to enhance military readiness and improve the
Philippines' ability to protect its interests in the West Philippine Sea.
Regional responses reflected broad support for military
modernization, with Luzon recording the highest approval at 47%. The National
Capital Region followed closely with 46%, while the Visayas registered 44%.
Mindanao posted the lowest among the four major areas, although support
remained significant at 39%.
Beyond upgrading military assets, respondents also
recognized the importance of international cooperation. Thirty-three percent
ranked joint maritime activities and military exercises with allied and partner
nations as their primary priority. Another 22% favored expanding defense and
security agreements with countries that share similar strategic interests.
When respondents were asked to identify their second most
important policy, reinforcing alliances emerged as the leading choice with 39%
nationwide. Support for stronger partnerships reached 41% in both Metro Manila
and the Visayas, followed by 39% in Luzon and 37% in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, 31% selected broader defense and security
agreements as their second preference, while 30% chose continued modernization
of the AFP and PCG. Among those who ranked modernization second, Mindanao
recorded the highest level of support at 34%.
The survey results suggest that many Filipinos view national
defense as a strategy built on multiple pillars rather than a single solution.
Modern military equipment and capable maritime forces provide the foundation,
while strategic partnerships help expand operational capacity, intelligence
sharing, and regional deterrence. Much like a house requires both a strong
framework and reliable support beams, national security depends on capable
domestic institutions working alongside trusted international partners.
Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres Dindo Manhit
said the findings demonstrate that Filipinos recognize the importance of
investing in defense institutions to effectively protect the country's
sovereign rights. He noted that legal victories alone are insufficient without
credible military capabilities, resilient organizations, and sustained support
for both the AFP and the PCG. According to Manhit, the survey also indicates
that the public sees military modernization and stronger alliances as complementary
efforts that collectively reinforce the country's maritime security.
The nationwide poll involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult Filipinos conducted between June 20 and 29. The survey carries a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points for national estimates and plus or minus six percentage points for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, with a 95% confidence level.
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