The Philippine Navy (PN) will continue to engage with its Italian counterparts who have a “robust shipbuilding” capability as this is in line with the country’s Self Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act.

“It is through technology transfers with other like-minded nations that we can build better ships, not only for the Armed Forces but also for the commercial industry,” PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said in a briefing late Tuesday.

Also, he said that for the PN to improve its capabilities, it needs to interact with “like-minded nations’ who already perfected these particular capabilities they intend to have.

“It is very well known that Italy has one of the most robust shipbuilding industries in the world, and we will continue to engage other nations in our strive to be a modern naval force capable of securing the state and contributing to regional peace,” Alcos said.

He also said the Navy’s goal is to “manufacture our own warships, and even other capabilities there (to) better defend our country.”

The SDRP Revitalization Act also known as Republic Act 12024 calls for the Philippines to be capable of defending itself “with minimal reliance on foreign support”.

It also seeks to ensure adequate defense assets and hardware for the country through domestic production and manufacturing, and development of a national defense industry. (PNA)