At the Philippine Marine Corps' 76th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. called for the sustained and accelerated development of the Corps, urging the expansion of its capabilities, a stronger strategic presence across the archipelago, and a bigger role in the country's Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
The event was held at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on November 7, 2026, with Teodoro serving as Guest of Honor and Speaker, according to a Department of National Defense (DND) press release issued through releasing authority Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong.
President Marcos Conveys Support for the Corps
Teodoro conveyed the best wishes of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who expressed confidence in the PMC's continued growth. The DND statement said Marcos affirmed his trust in the Corps' dedication to preserving its combat readiness, institutional values, morale, and archipelago-wide presence.
Four Brigades for 7,600 Islands Called 'Way, Way Too Small'
Teodoro echoed the assessment of PMC Commandant Major General Bob R. Apostol on the size of the Corps' footprint.
"As Major General Apostol had said, the footprint of the Philippine Marine Corps of four marine brigades and one service support brigade for 7,600 islands is way, way too small," Teodoro said, as quoted in the DND press release.
Kalayaan Island Group Named as Critical Presence Area
The Defense chief placed particular emphasis on the Kalayaan Island Group, stressing the need for a credible deterrence posture in that area, the DND statement said. Teodoro called for tighter coordination among the Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Coast Guard to reinforce that presence.
Strategic Operating Bases and Logistics Readiness Urged
Teodoro called for the development of a sustainable but urgently pursued growth plan for the Marines, one that would include establishing strategic operating bases — either alongside existing military installations or as independent facilities.
He also warned of tightening global supply chains and intensifying competition for resources, stressing the need to bolster logistical preparedness and maintain sufficient physical reserves.
"[Being] prepared means also putting enough facilities to store the all-needed reserves. The notional reserves that we have are not sufficient. Physical custody and possession of reserves is the name of the game now, as we see throughout the world when supply chains are tightening and the scramble for resources becomes dearer and more expensive," Teodoro said, according to the DND.
Modernization Efforts Being Fast-Tracked
Teodoro acknowledged that bridging existing capability gaps would demand considerable work. The DND press release stated that the Defense department and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), operating under President Marcos' direction, are actively accelerating the country's defense modernization and readiness programs.
He also pointed to the Philippines' involvement in major multilateral military exercises and the need for the Marine Corps to build professional ties with foreign marine forces, with the aim of identifying tactics, technologies, and equipment suited to local operational conditions.
Early Leadership Development for Young Officers Prioritized
Beyond capability development, Teodoro underscored the importance of investing in future military leadership. He called for expanded opportunities for junior officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource staff to take on leadership roles early through mentorship programs, cross-training, and international engagement.
The Defense chief said these initiatives are essential to developing the technical skills, adaptability, and foresight required to meet the country's evolving defense and security challenges, the DND stated.
Photo courtesy of the Department of National Defense
Source: Department of National Defense