National Security Policy 2023-2028

2023-2028
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NATIONAL
SECURITY
POLICY
2023-2028
IV NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028
Message
The Philippines’ national security landscape continues to shift and transform,

prompting us to constantly rethink, re-assess, and re-examine our strategies in
securing our country’s survival, progress, and resilience. In the face of these
complexities and developments, it is necessary for us to have a coherent and
comprehensive plan that will effectively address emerging threats to our national
security and fulfill our long-term development goals.
The National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028 is a testament to our

commitment to confronting traditional and non-traditional security challenges
head-on even as we foster an environment that is conducive to our continued
advancement. Not only does it contain a trustworthy assessment of the current
and future threats and opportunities facing our nation, but it also provides a
structured guideline on how we can achieve our goals given our personnel,
resources, and circumstances.
Let us carry out this plan with a sense of purpose and a clear vision of a
secure and prosperous Philippines. With this policy guiding all our efforts, I am
certain that we can achieve a brighter future for our country and our people
FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.
M ANIL A
August 2023
THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 1

Contents
MESSAGE 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3
CHAPTER 1
ENDURING VISION AND VALUES 5
CHAPTER 2
THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT 11
CHAPTER 3
NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS AND GOALS 17
National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity 19
Political Stability, Peace, and Public Safety 21
Economic Strength and Solidarity 24
National Identity, Harmony, and Culture of Excellence 28
Ecological Balance and Climate Change Resiliency 30
Cyber, Information, and Cognitive Security 31
Regional and International Peace and Stability 32
CHAPTER 4
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR IMPLEMENTATION 35
ANNEXES 39
National Security Policy Framework 40
Executive Order No. 37

Approving and Adopting the National Security Policy 2023-2028 41
2 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

Executive Summary
The National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028 is the Philippines’ third national security policy
document. It was crafted in response to modern-day challenges confronting the nation in a
rapidly changing and increasingly uncertain world. It contains the guiding principles and interests,
as well as a set of clearly defined and articulated goals aimed at protecting and promoting
national security. Set for a timeframe of five years, from 2023-2028, the new NSP identifies policy
objectives and priority areas where the state should devote its finite resources and leverage its
key strengths in order to optimize outcomes.
The goals set forth in the NSP 2023-2028 are anchored on a comprehensive national security
framework and the enduring values that have enabled Filipinos through the centuries to cope and
thrive. The new NSP seeks to improve national security governance aimed at effectively addressing
security threats while at the same time providing the enabling environment for sustainable and
inclusive economic and human development. Berthed on a vision of a free, resilient, peaceful, and
prosperous Philippines, the new NSP complements the medium-term Philippine Development Plan
2023-2028 as well as contributes to the realization of the long-term national dream of a “Matatag,
Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay” by the year 2040.
The national security goals identified in the new NSP were based on an assessment of the
emerging strategic landscape and placed within the context of the country’s socio-political values,
fundamental laws, and core national interests. The new NSP features several national security
agenda under each of these core national security interests: National Sovereignty and Territorial
Integrity; Political Stability, Peace and Public Safety; Economic Strength and Solidarity; National
Identity, Harmony and Culture of Excellence; Ecological Balance and Climate Change Resiliency;
Cyber, Information and Cognitive Security; and, Regional and International Peace and Stability.
To implement the NSP 2023-2028, a set of guiding principles have been prescribed, to wit:
Fostering Inclusivity; Promoting Trust and Optimism and Strengthening Leadership Resolve;
Ensuring Strategic Alignment; Benchmarking Against International Norms and Best Practices;
Anticipating the Future and Being Proactive; Promoting Consistency and Continuity; Sustaining
Wealth Creation and Generation; Measuring Effectiveness and Feedback; and, Constituting
Oversight and Crafting Advocacy Plans.
To succeed, the NSP 2023-2028 relies on a whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach.

All government departments, agencies and other government instrumentalities should integrate
and harmonize the NSP with their own plans, programs and strategies. Policymakers can likewise
use this document as guiding tool in crafting laws on matters affecting national security. In the
same vein, the government seeks the support and initiative of the Filipino public to contribute in
a meaningful way to the realization of the NSP’s vision and goals. Only through national unity can
the Filipino nation confidently look forward to a more prosperous, secure and brighter future.

“
The Philippines shall continue to be
a friend to all, an enemy to none. The
Philippines has always been open and
welcoming to all our foreign friends
and visitors. That is our world view,
and that is our culture.
BUT LET ME BE CLEAR. WE ARE VERY

JEALOUS OF ALL THAT IS FILIPINO.”
PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.

First SONA, 25 July 2022

Chapter 1
ENDURING VISION AND VALUES

The peace, security, and stability in innovation, rule of law, and equitable
our archipelago, mountains, air, space, distribution of wealth and opportunities.
cyberspace, waters, seas, and shores are These enshrined values embedded in the
the essential foundation of sustainable fundamental laws, institutions, history, and
development. The long-term economic shared consciousness underpin and propel
development vision of a “Matatag, the country’s enduring national security
Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay” is vision through a healthy, educated, and
founded on the nation’s core socio-political empowered citizenry with competencies
values and reflected in the democratic way that enable them to contribute meaningfully
of life that calls for participatory governance, to nation-building regardless of any current
respect for human rights and freedoms, government-of-the-day.
equality of men and women, social justice,
THE NATIONAL SECURITY VISION
“a free, resilient, peaceful, and prosperous archipelagic and

maritime nation, at peace with itself and its neighbors, enabled
and protected by reliable defense and public safety systems.”
The Philippine Development Plan and protected by reliable defense and public
(PDP) 2023-2028 is the second medium- safety systems. This vision allows the citizens
term socioeconomic plan anchored on to reach their full potential through equitable
the long-term vision that “By 2040, the and quality education, social cohesion
and harmony, political stability, sound
Philippines shall be a prosperous, environmental management, international
predominantly middle-class society peace and cooperation, and economic
where no one is poor; our peoples progress through technology development,
innovation and sustainable use of resources.
shall live long and healthy lives,
be smart and innovative, and shall A free, resilient, peaceful, and
live in a high-trust society where prosperous Philippines is characterized by
its independence, recognition and respect
families thrive in vibrant, culturally
by members of the international community,
diverse, and resilient communities.” and contribution in promoting regional peace
and security. It provides for prosperity where
Complementing the PDP vision, the inclusivity thrives and a level playing field
National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028 exists. Such a Philippines ensures the lives,
envisions a free, resilient, peaceful, and liberty, and well-being of its citizens, including
prosperous archipelagic and maritime nation, safeguarding Filipinos from natural, socio-
at peace with itself and its neighbors, enabled natural, and human-induced hazards, and

other unforeseen serious threats both here welfare of the public at large. The Philippines
and abroad. In the community of nations, strives to create a culture of life-long quality
such is a Philippines that is able to pursue learning and exploration, where channels of
and implement an independent foreign policy information work to provide knowledge and
that takes into account the paramount wisdom that inspire creativity and uphold
considerations stipulated in the Constitution human dignity.
– national sovereignty, national interest,
territorial integrity, and the right to self- The Philippines envisions a Government
determination. in collaboration with all sectors of Philippine
society and with the rest of the world in
The Philippines envisions a nation of staying vigilant, ever prepared, and capable
God-fearing citizens in their roles as leaders of responding effectively to natural, socio-
and members of society and a polity defined natural, and human-induced hazards, and
by unity, and national consensus, amidst a adapting to advances in technology. The
long history of partisanship and personality Philippines wants an effective and efficient
politics. Government that is adaptable, redirecting
when goals are not met, providing stability,
The Philippines envisions a democracy and inspiring confidence in citizens as the
whose practice of transparency and international landscape changes.
accountability engenders trust, respect,
collaboration, and confidence of the citizens The Administration envisions a Philippines
to government leaders and motivates them to that is ready to move forward with the
work for the common good. mindset that the advantage lies in unity and
moral consensus, and that national strengths
The Philippines envisions a political are leveraged best through the spirit of
system whose avowed principles, enshrined Bayanihan inherent in the Filipino culture.
in the Constitution, work tirelessly for the
ENDURING VALUES
The comprehensive national security The Philippines shall defend, preserve,
framework, product of years of policy review and strengthen the enduring values for
and analysis of the country’s internal and national security, sustainable economic
external realities, defines national security development, people empowerment, and a
as: “a state or condition wherein the globally competitive nation. These values are
people’s welfare, well-being, ways of life; expressed concisely as: maka-Diyos (God-
government and its institutions; territorial fearing), makatao (humane), maka-kalikasan
integrity; sovereignty; and core values are (pro-environment), at makabansa (patriotic).
protected and enhanced.” Based on this
definition, there are enduring values that Love of God. The Philippines respects
have enabled Filipinos through the centuries differences in religious beliefs, lives in
to cope and thrive. harmony with others regardless of religion,

ethnicity, race, and culture, and shows The Philippines subscribes to fair and
adherence to ethical principles by upholding transparent global competition in trade
truth, honesty, compassion, and kindness. and commerce based on agreed rules
and rejects economic coercion as a policy
Patriotism and Love of Country. The instrument, pursuant to the Philippines’
Philippines puts premium to education, health, commitment to a rules-based trading
science and technology, arts, literature, regime. The Philippines supports the
culture, history, and sports to foster growth of free market, entrepreneurship
patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social and private enterprises with broad-based
progress, and promote human liberation ownership structures and welcomes foreign
and integral economic development. The investments in key industries, including public
quest for “Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag services.
na Buhay” shall be supported by a citizenry
willing and able to defend the national Democracy and Freedom. The
interest. Philippines shall continue to promote a
rules-based international order anchored on
Rule of Law and Respect for Human multilateralism, ideals of sovereign equality of
Rights. The maintenance of peace and States, peaceful settlement of disputes, and
order, the protection of life, liberty, and conduct of international relations without
property, and the promotion of the general threat to human security or use of force,
welfare are essential public services that the as embodied in the Charter of the United
Government must provide. The Philippines Nations.
guarantees the adequate provision of these
services and commits to promote, protect, The Philippines renounces war as an
and defend human rights as enunciated instrument of national policy and adheres
in various international covenants. The to the policy of peace, equality, justice,
Government ensures that everyone is freedom, cooperation, and amity with all
treated equally and that the administration nations. The Philippines shall use its stature
of justice and respect for the human rights and goodwill in promoting harmony, respect,
redound to the empowerment of the Filipino and understanding in the regional and global
people and the well-being of the nation. community.
Common Good. The Philippines shall Fortitude. The Philippines’ defense and
continue to assert its place in the community public safety systems shall protect the
of nations as a sovereign state that deserves people, entrepreneurship and businesses,
international recognition and respect for agriculture and manufacturing assets,
the Philippine territories and jurisdictions public and private utilities, and critical
where the Filipino people are able to exercise infrastructure against natural and human-
the rights and privileges due them. The induced threats, as well as ensure the
preservation and protection of the national speedy recovery after a crisis.
environment and respect for the tenets of
common heritage of mankind and global Inclusivity. The Philippines seeks
public good shall be promoted. the broadest possible cooperation within

Philippine society and with other States to Innovation. The Philippines recognizes
build a security environment favorable to the the role of research and development,
pursuit of political, economic, defense, and science and technology, and innovation in
national security interests of the country. nation-building and sustainable economic
growth. The Philippines seeks to utilize these
Social Justice. The Government ensures to increase productivity, introduce efficiency
that individuals and communities in the in the national and global value chains,
archipelago are accorded free and open enhance access to quality education, and
expressions of individual, social, ethnic, promote knowledge transfer to positively
cultural, gender, and religious identities shape society.
towards a stable foundation of a just and
dynamic social order.
ENDURING VALUES
LOVE OF GOD
PATRIOTISM
INNOVATION AND LOVE OF
COUNTRY
RULE OF
SUSTAINABLE LAW AND
SOCIAL ECONOMIC RESPECT
JUSTICE DEVELOPMENT, FOR HUMAN
PEOPLE RIGHTS
EMPOWERMENT,
AND GLOBAL
COMPETITIVENESS
COMMON
INCLUSIVITY
GOOD
DEMOCRACY
FORTITUDE AND
FREEDOM

“
I see four challenges to the continued survival
of our global community: climate change,
development of advanced technologies that is
rapidly transforming human life and experience,
widening geopolitical polarities and sharpening
strategic competitions, and inequalities and
inequities within and among countries.”
“
77th UNGA, 21 September 2022
Apart from climate change-related disasters,

we are now confronted with a different and
complex security environment, it brings with
it new challenges that require us to adapt.”

87th AFP Anniversary, 19 December 2022

Chapter 2
THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT

The Philippines is facing a convergence issues, a revisiting of geopolitical alignment,
of security challenges both at the domestic and an increase in military spending. The war
and international levels. These challenges exacerbates the friction between the alliance
represent a complex operating environment of Western democracies and their partners
which, if not handled properly, can create versus countries deemed establishing their
insecurity and instability. Mitigating the risks, own spheres of influence by challenging
developing resilience, harnessing strengths, the prevailing global order. Both Russia and
and staying focused on the national interest Ukraine are major food baskets, with the
are crucial to the country’s survival and former being the world’s third largest supplier
future success. Any effort to formulate a of oil. The war created a new wave of global
National Security Policy should therefore food and energy insecurity amid tight supply
start with an awareness and assessment and soaring international market prices.
of the factors and circumstances that can
influence or shape the nation’s security The West Philippine Sea issue remains a
outlook in the foreseeable future. primary national interest of the Philippines.
The Philippines exercises sovereignty,
Amid the rise of newly prosperous states, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the
the global balance of power has tilted into West Philippine Sea, under the 1982 United
a more complex strategic environment Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
involving multiple actors, including Middle and by the final and binding South China
Powers. Widening polarities and the Sea Arbitration Award of 12 July 2016.
sharpening strategic competition between Despite this being clear in international law,
the United States and China are realities claimant states continue to lay claims on
permeating the global landscape. Heightened the strategic waterway. The divergences of
rivalries among the major powers are claims, as well as the claimants’ methods of
contributing to a more tense geopolitical asserting their positions, continue to pose
landscape, with regional flashpoints strategic challenges, endangering not only
potentially serving as tinderboxes for conflict. the country’s territorial integrity, but also the
The situation has become graver in light of Filipino people’s exercise of legitimate rights
the continued development of weapons of and their safety and well-being.
mass destruction, resurgence of arms races,
and the erosion and weakening of the rules- Major concern is also seen in the Cross-
based international order that has served Straits relations that has the potential to be
as a guarantor of peace and continued the flashpoint in the region. The Philippines
economic growth and development despite is concerned about its economic stability, a
the creation of even more lethal weapons potential influx of refugees, and the welfare
since World War II. of overseas populations. Any military conflict
in the Taiwan Strait would inevitably affect the
Geopolitical tensions reached a new Philippines given the geographic proximity of
height in February 2022 when Russia invaded Taiwan to the Philippine archipelago and the
Ukraine, thereby signaling the return of presence of over 150,000 Filipinos in Taiwan.
major war between nations. Although the
ongoing conflict remains largely confined Meanwhile, the persistent tensions in the
within Ukraine, its effects are felt globally Korean Peninsula continue to threaten peace
in various streams, including supply chain and stability in the region and the world.

The world is also grappling with a placed on technology from economies like
range of other threats. Global issues that Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Furthermore,
no country can resolve on its own such frontier technologies, specifically in social
severe poverty and hunger, climate change media, have polarized societies through fake
and environmental issues, pandemics, news, disinformation, hate, and abuse.
international terrorism, and overwhelming
humanitarian crises are increasingly serious The flames of ethnic and religious strife
human security concerns. Threats to the are stoked by these technologies, resulting
universal commons and the people’s survival in cultural divides and undermining social
such as seas, marine resources, outer tolerance between people that further
space, and cyberspace have also become serves the purpose of extremism. While
more widespread and serious. At the same the influence of Daesh and al-Qaeda on
time, recurring episodes of financial crises local militants is dwindling, their brand of
trigger unrest and political instability in both extremism cannot be ruled-out completely,
advanced and developing economies owing given the porous borders, and new
to the interconnectedness of the global technologies readily available in the market.
financial system. With the Daesh’s and al-Qaeda’s violent
extremist ideology and narratives remaining
The increasing significance of frontier pervasive in cyberspace, these groups
technologies such as 5G communications, will likely continue to attract, exploit, and
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet-of-Things radicalize those who are at risk, vulnerable,
(IOT), drones, robotics, quantum technology, and easily influenced and wanting to belong.
and Big Data, have caused tectonic shifts in These technologies are also utilized to
the political, social, cultural, and economic undermine institutions that are indispensable
fabric of human life. The deployment of such to a democratic government and society.
technologies has likewise magnified the With the aid of algorithmic technology,
digital divide across societies, with those disinformation and propaganda are spewed
who have resources benefiting from them, to instigate distrust and discontent. The
while those who are poor continuing to lag autonomy of individuals over their own
behind and are unable to capitalize on these thinking and perception are attacked through
technologies to improve their quality of life. these technologies, particularly through the
The digital divide within and across societies unethical use of cognitive technologies.
were made more evident during the COVID-19
pandemic as governments and businesses Climate change and extreme weather
moved their services online. patterns are cascading threats to 60 percent
of the country’s population particularly those
The changes brought about by who live along the hazard prone areas and
technology on warfare have, likewise, are vulnerable to massive flooding, typhoons,
expanded the attack surface to include and storm surges. Despite contributing only
critical infrastructure leaving societies 0.4 percent to the world’s total greenhouse
highly vulnerable. The emergence of remote- gas emission, the country loses 1.0 percent
controlled drones and missile systems of the average annual GDP or an estimated
coordinated via satellite-delivered data US$3.5 billion a year due to losses and
transmission has reshaped the field of damages resulting from climate change
warfare. This has led to an increased value and extreme weather patterns. This does

not consider the thousands of lives lost and vectors, injuries and premature deaths, and
billions of properties and productive outputs threats to mental health.
decimated, as a result of around 25 tropical
cyclones hitting the country every year. The Social and economic inequities are
country, being part of the Pacific Ring of continuously pushing the poor, vulnerable,
Fire, is also prone to large scale geophysical and marginalized sectors of society to the
hazards related to earthquakes, tsunamis, peripheries, creating grievances, unrest,
and volcanic eruption. Local Government and instability. The social and economic
Units (LGUs) have improved their capacities inequities have made the Communist Party
in response, recovery, and rehabilitation of the Philippines (CPP) and its propaganda
programs, but there are still shortfalls in attractive to some citizens. Decades of
preparedness and mitigation. The multiple combining peace talks, amnesties, better
entities involved in disaster management as intelligence, focused military operations,
well as local and national agencies require socio-economic programs, aggressive
stronger coordination and synergy of efforts. information campaign on the empty promises
of communism, and the whole-of-nation
In addition, the country’s dependence on approach have now greatly decimated the
carbon-based energy sources, such as coal, Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs)
oil, and natural gas, accounts for 78 percent
of the country’s 2021 power generation mix The gains achieved by the National
and is seen to be a contributing factor in the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed
increase of the country’s greenhouse gas Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) continue to flourish as it
emissions. This reality in the energy sector implements various interventions. However,
likewise makes the economy susceptible there remains a bottleneck in sustaining
to the volatility of fuel and coal prices in the gains and facilitating efficient, effective,
the global market as both energy sources and convergent provisions of measures and
are imported from abroad. Moreover, this programs towards the reintegration and
scenario must be measured against the transformation of former CTG combatants
backdrop of declining share of renewable and non-combatants, their families, and
energy sources, such as geothermal, hydro, communities. The delays in the provision
wind, solar, and biomass in the energy mix of security, healing and reconciliation,
from 34 percent of the power generation mix confidence-building, and socio-economic
in 2004 to just 22.4 percent in 2021 due to interventions in transformation programs
increased reliance on fossil-based resources, could erode the accomplishments.
particularly coal. Meantime, the incidence of
natural hazards and extreme weather events Further, impediments to the completion
highlights the need to monitor and prepare of the peace processes with the Cordillera
for the potential impacts on public health Bodong Administration – Cordillera Peoples
which include the emergence and spread of Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) and the
food- and water-borne diseases, increased Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa
frequency of cardio-respiratory diseases ng Pilipinas / Revolutionary Proletarian
due to higher concentrations of ground-level Army / Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA/
ozone related to climate change, altered ABB) may result in decreased confidence
spatial distribution of some infectious disease in the process, trigger factionalism in the

aforementioned groups, threaten the peace Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic is a
and transformation in the program areas, major disruption that continues to bring a
including the autonomy initiatives in the magnitude of repercussion to all facets of
Cordilleras. There is still the challenge of development and security. The economic
ensuring sustainability of the gains achieved environment has not adequately enabled the
in the transformation of RPA and CPLA poor to be lifted from poverty with the same
members into people’s organizations and scale, speed, and velocity, as compared to
social enterprises. some Southeast Asian neighbors. Corruption,
smuggling, illegal drugs and organized crime,
In the southern Philippines, the environmental crimes, transnational crimes,
implementation of both the political and and intense political rivalries and warlordism
normalization tracks of the Comprehensive have prevented progress in political maturity
Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), and socio-economic development. These
signed between the Philippine government widened even further the already glaring
and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), socio-economic gap and thus necessitate
and the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is transformational changes at all levels to
gaining headway and has contributed much satisfy societal needs.
to peace and stability in Mindanao. However,
the two Bangsamoro Peace Processes still Despite some discouraging features of
face challenges in their implementation. the prevailing security environment, few
These include issues in the representation can deny that the world has entered an
and inclusivity in the Bangsamoro Transition exciting new era of prosperity and fresh
Authority and the Bangsamoro Autonomous opportunities. The trends of globalization,
Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which rapid technological innovation, and
is seen to potentially implicate the relations enhanced economic, social, and cultural
between the Moro Fronts—the Moro Islamic interconnectedness are driving global
Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National economic productivity to new heights,
Liberation Front (MNLF)—and other sectors creating more wealth and enhancing the
and inhabitants of the Bangsamoro region. quality of life everywhere. The Philippines has
an adequate number of innovative leaders
There is also the existence of inter- and and problem-solvers to fill positions in both
intra-group violence and threats from criminal existing and future industries. By ensuring
elements, and the presence of lawless / that everyone has access to educational
extremist groups such as Bangsamoro Islamic tools and other instruments of national
Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiya, power, national security and the economy will
including CTGs, rido, and other horizontal be strengthened and will thrive, technology
conflict (e.g. armed conflict between the will improve, innovation will flourish in every
members of the Moro Fronts, and political sector, and people will be able to overcome
clans). These are potential setbacks to the socioeconomic obstacles. The Philippines
overall peace and security in the Region. must learn to harness its energies in a
The delays in the fulfillment of the remaining positive way and work more closely together
deliverables under the CAB may potentially to overcome challenges, while creating the
spur discontent and be used by groups still conditions for a more prosperous, peaceful,
espousing secessionist ideology. and secure future for all.

“
We all want peace in our land. You and your
children want a good chance at a better
life; in a safer, more prosperous country.
All that is within reach from a hardworking,
warm, and giving race.”
“Let us all be part of the solution that we

choose; in that lies the power to get it done.
Always be open to differing views but ever
united in our chosen goal. Never hesitating
to change it, should it prove wanting. That
is how agile, resilient republics are made.”

Inauguration, 30 June 2022
“
Let me also reiterate that, for this
Administration, the welfare of our
people and the improvement of their
lives are of utmost importance[.]”

49th CESB Founding Anniversary, 22 November 2022

Chapter 3
NATIONAL SECURITY
INTERESTS AND GOALS

Given the enduring vision and strategic approach, where the implementation of
environment, the NSP affirms the intersection strategies and courses of action at all levels
of development and security and serves as of government is aligned.
a comprehensive framework and guidance
so that all instruments of national power are Towards this end, the following are the
used for strengthening Philippine national long term and enduring national security
security. interests and goals necessary for the
security, welfare, and well-being of the nation
The NSP shall strengthen the whole-of- and the Filipino people.
government pillar of the Whole-of-Nation
NATIONAL SECURITY INTEREST NATIONAL SECURITY AGENDA

Defense and Military Security
National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
Maritime, Air, Land and Space Security
Border Security
Political Stability, Peace, and Public Safety
Political Security
Public Safety, Peace and Justice
Economic Strength and Solidarity

Health and Biosecurity
Economic, Infrastructure, and Financial Security
National Identity, Harmony, and Culture of Excellence Food, Nutrition, and Water Security
Energy Security
Ecological Balance and Climate Change Resiliency Transportation and Port Security
Moral and Spiritual Consensus
Socio-Cultural Cohesiveness
Cyber, Information, and Cognitive Security
Ecological Balance and Climate Change Resiliency
Cyber, Information and Cognitive Security

Regional and International Peace and Stability
Regional and International Peace and Stability

NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY
The Philippines shall ensure the inviolability of its national territory, including land, seas,
air, space, and cyberspace. The policies to promote this interest demand strategic measures,
legislation, and programs that would improve, enhance, and strengthen national sovereignty.
DEFENSE AND MILITARY SECURITY

The Government aims for a State that of national power, such as diplomacy,
is capable of protecting and defending its intelligence, economic, and social tools,
national sovereignty and territorial integrity among others; integrate with allies and
on land, at sea, on air, in outer space, and partners through interoperability exercises,
even in cyberspace, including its maritime capacity development, and planning with
entitlements, by building a strong deterrence. diplomatic and economic approaches; and
The Government shall strive to achieve integrate the reservist system as an important
self-reliance by continuous investment and component of defense and military planning.
expenditure in defense modernization and Reserve force development will be pursued
the acquisition of state-of-the-art military as multipliers to the armed forces’ internal
assets responsive to the requirements of an security, humanitarian assistance, and
archipelagic nation. Building up the country’s disaster relief (HADR) operations.
military capability on cyber defense shall be a
priority in response to the rapidly shifting and The Government shall revitalize the Self-
continuously evolving international landscape Reliance Defense Posture (SRDP) Program,
and to ensure cyber sovereignty. As a member incentivize private sector participation in the
of the international community, the Philippines defense industry, modernize the defense
is committed to observing and upholding through rationalized acquisition, promote
established norms on responsible state in-country manufacturing, and muster
behavior in cyberspace. Filipino talents, skills, and ingenuity to foster
the progressive growth of the defense and
Given the wide range of internal and security sector. Investment in shipbuilding
external security concerns, the Government and ship repair shall be strengthened to
shall: integrate all domains of military (land, bolster the state external deterrent force.
air, maritime, cyber, and space) and non- Aerospace development shall be pursued
military (economic, technological, and through joint and active collaboration between
informational) spectrums; integrate with the government and the private sector. There
partner agencies in the security and public is also a necessity for the government to
safety sectors in tackling the threats that transition the internal security operations
seek to alter the status quo in ways that (ISO) from the Armed Forces of the Philippines
harm Philippine national interests below the (AFP) to the Philippine National Police (PNP)
threshold of armed conflict; integrate across to allow the AFP to effectively protect the
all government sectors the instruments country’s territories and boundaries.

The Government shall strengthen military confidence and capability-building, technology
relations with other states, particularly transfers, interoperability, information
in areas of military exercises aimed at exchanges, and joint patrols.
MARITIME, AIR, LAND, AND SPACE SECURITY

The Philippines is an archipelago The Government shall innovate and
composed of vast seas with numerous islands modernize maritime, air, and space systems
and connecting waters. The Government shall and security operations through the use of
enforce its sovereign rights to explore and space science and technology applications,
exploit the resource-rich marine environment and integration of AI. The Government shall
and its freedom of movement in air, sea, and strengthen the capacity of maritime agencies’
space. The Government shall strengthen maritime domain awareness, and subsequent
maritime law enforcement operations against acquisition of air search radars and satellites,
piracy and unlawful acts such as smuggling; including measures to incentivize scientists
poaching; illegal, unreported and unregulated to stay in the Philippines. The Government
fishing; all forms of marine pollution; and shall enhance defense cooperation and
trafficking in persons / migrants, people security arrangements with other countries
smuggling, and drug trafficking at sea. The to harness a collective deterrence against
Government shall harmonize mandates and potential existential threat to the State’s
functions of various agencies relative to sovereign spaces, explore space defense
coastal management and maritime security and applications, and promote technology
to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in development that is beneficial to all Filipinos.
addressing maritime security threats.
BORDER SECURITY
The Philippines’ inherent challenge, as an and law enforcement sectors and shall
archipelagic nation, is its extensive porous implement strategies to effectively maintain
maritime borders. Protecting the borders from the integrity of the Philippine border and
unlawful trade and travel and entry of illegal sovereign space. The Government shall pursue
small arms and light weapons, illegal migrants, the institutionalization of the Philippine Navy
illegal aliens, illegal drugs, and contraband Maritime Situational Awareness Systems to
is essential not only in promoting national sustain the effective and accurate provision
security and economic prosperity but also for of common and timely maritime operating
regional peace and stability. The Government picture.
shall implement effective security procedures
and control measures to protect the country’s The Government shall develop a unified
borders. To strengthen the readiness and system to remove redundant processes
capability-building for border control security, from numerous agencies that delay in
the Government shall enhance the maritime the enforcement of border control. The
defense forces’ maritime domain awareness Government shall prohibit the use of
capabilities in conjunction with intelligence nuclear weapons at any time and under

any circumstances, in keeping with the nuclear (CBRN) threats, including smuggling
Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons Free or theft of hazardous materials by non-state
Zone Treaty, strengthen its border and actors, and develop national capacity to deter
monitoring systems to secure the country and address potential CBRN attacks and/or
from chemical, biological, radiological and accidents.
POLITICAL STABILITY, PEACE, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Human security and economic The conflict-sensitive, peace-promoting

development can only prosper in a peaceful and gender-responsive implementation of
and safe environment. The Philippines must the peace agreements borne out of these
deal with violent threats from criminality, peace negotiations such as the Bangsamoro
armed conflicts, illegal drugs, and terrorism peace agreements (i.e., MILF and MNLF) and
with the full force of the law and in strict the peace agreements with the CTG-splinter
observance of civil and human rights, and the groups (e.g., RPMP-RPA-ABB and CPLA), shall
international humanitarian law (IHL). be relentlessly pursued until completion,
including addressing the root causes of
Addressing the ideological, socio- armed conflict through a comprehensive
economic, and political causes of the and inclusive normalization programs, and
communist insurgency is a vital part of promoting initiatives that foster healing,
the solution and must be sustained. The reconciliation and unity.
Philippines must heal the many rifts that
divide the nation and achieve peace and Honesty, integrity, and accountability in
harmony among all Filipinos, regardless of public service shall be promoted at all times
religion, creed, ethnicity, or social status. and at all levels to ensure public trust and
The Peace process will always be preferred confidence. The Philippines shall protect
over war. Local peace engagements and preserve the sanctity of the democratic
and transformation programs such as political system and keep the doors open for
basic education, livelihood, financial participative governance and multi-sectoral
literacy, cooperativism, and healing and engagement in formulating public policies and
reconciliation for former rebels, their pursuing bureaucratic and security sector
families and communities, shall be pursued reforms, in nurturing a culture of peace,
and institutionalized, as part of the efforts and in safeguarding public safety. Thus,
to strengthen the threat assessment and democratic values remain to be the guiding
response protocols of national and local principles of the polity.
agencies.

POLITICAL SECURITY
The Government shall strengthen shall educate and develop national security
democratic institutions and promote a strong leaders who will take an active and important
Civil Service free from partisan political role in nation-building.
interests. Towards this end, the Government
shall promote the professionalization and The Government shall likewise promote
retooling of the Civil Service, eliminate graft an understanding and appreciation of the
and corruption, and increase accountability principles of democracy and the country’s
and transparency in Government. It shall also political system among the populace, as a
encourage the active participation of non- way to shape societal norms that strengthen
government and civil society organizations in stability and cohesion. In addition, the
governance. The Government shall promote Government shall dismantle all private armed
electoral security, particularly transparency, groups and ensure the protection and
fair participation, accountability, and freedom security of all government institutions and
from foreign interference. The Government instrumentalities.
PUBLIC SAFETY, PEACE, AND JUSTICE

The Government shall strengthen the The Government shall strengthen
whole-of-nation approach in attaining the coordinated and convergent efforts
inclusive and sustainable peace, particularly of the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism
in crafting the sustainability roadmap that will on Normalization (ICCMN), National Task
mainstream peace and development in both Force for Disbandment of Private Armed
national and local development processes. Groups (NTF-DPAGs), and Intergovernmental
The efforts of the NTF-ELCAC, the Regional Relations Body (IGRB), in the implementation
Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs), National of the normalization programs, including
Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee programs on the reduction of arms and
(NALECC), the Disaster Risk Reduction and disbanding private armed groups, and
Management Council (DRRMC), the National addressing horizontal armed conflicts in the
Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Bangsamoro region, and in the smooth and
Violent Extremism (NAP-PCVE), and the effective transition of the political and fiscal
National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NCTS) powers to the BARMM government.
shall be vigorously supported to further
weaken and defeat the local terrorist groups, The Government and local communities
curtail the continuous propagation of violent must strengthen efforts to ensure that peace
extremism narratives, and achieve strategic gains are sustained through more focused
victory over the CPP-NPA-NDF within the development interventions in all cleared
current administration. The Government barangays and communities. These include
shall enhance its capacity and capabilities in improving access to education, health care,
targeting the financial apparatus of terrorists and social protection programs especially
in the country. for vulnerable groups such as women,

children, indigenous peoples and the poor. efforts to address illicit trafficking of firearms
The Government shall strengthen its action and proliferation of loose firearms shall be
against the legal fronts of the CPP-NPA-NDF enhanced through inter-agency collaboration
to stop recruitment, cut financial sources, and cooperation, in partnership with the civil
and debunk their propaganda. society, the community, and the industry.
The campaign against illegal drugs The Government shall implement a whole-
shall be sustained and pursued through of-nation approach in disaster risk reduction,
vigorous law enforcement operations. Equal response against disruptive events, and
importance shall be given to the promotion preparedness for polycrisis. This includes
and respect for human rights, the prevention stepping up the education and awareness
of the use of banned substances, and the of all LGUs and vulnerable communities,
rehabilitation of drug-dependent individuals. accompanied by focused public investments,
Crime prevention and law enforcement, not only in disaster response, recovery, and
as well as other pillars of the criminal rehabilitation, but moreso in preparation and
justice system, shall be strengthened and mitigation.
complemented by just, humane, and speedy
adjudication of cases. The Government The Government shall also develop a
shall also strengthen the capabilities of law comprehensive strategy in addressing
enforcers and enhance intelligence sharing terrorism, insurgency, and criminality
and cooperation, both domestic and with involving trans-regional boundaries.
other countries in the region. The national
HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY

A healthy society improves public safety against financial risk and conditions. These
and cultural cohesion and contributes to are all necessary for the realization of the
higher productivity. The Government shall highest attainable standard of health as
treat health security as one of the priority provided in the Universal Health Care Act and
concerns in national security. Improving the Magna Carta of the Poor.
health and quality of life of Filipinos shall be
the cornerstone of the country’s health care The Government commits to achieving
system. The Government shall strengthen the health security for all by leading public
health security policy framework and action health surveillance initiatives, activities, and
plan, health institutions, health diplomacy, programs for diseases and health events
health information systems, and public and the development of the National Action
health and medical personnel preparedness Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) towards
for health hazards and emergencies. The One Health Approach and International
Government shall ensure that all Filipinos, Health Regulations (IHR) initiatives. The
especially the poor, are guaranteed equitable Government shall strengthen intelligence
access to quality and affordable health care and law enforcement activities against the
facilities, goods, and services, and protected importation, distribution, sale, or possession

of counterfeit pharmaceutical products, as development for treatments and vaccines,
these activities undermine the economy, and shall encourage more investments
affect the price of medicines, and pose a in medical care and tourism, traditional
danger to the health of the people. medicines, pharmaceuticals, and the
development of associated industries that
The Government shall establish electronic produce quality health care products and
health services and shall strengthen provide employment opportunities.
public health interventions prioritizing poor
communities in geographically isolated The Government shall install and secure
and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), and facilities of molecular laboratories used in
underserved, unserved, and low-income the detection and prevention of emerging
communities, especially in the deployment and re-emerging biological pathogens. The
of health professionals and health workers Government shall invest in the protection of
and provision of medical and health genomic data of the Filipino population by
infrastructure, equipment, and supplies as enhancing security of repositories of such
provided by the Magna Carta of the Poor. information as well as the training of the
The Government shall pursue research and personnel handling them.
ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND SOLIDARITY
The Philippines shall vigorously pursue by promoting harmonious and stable

policies and programs on inclusive employment relations, and promote a
growth, sustainable economic and culture of excellence in its workforce. The
technological development, and responsible Philippines shall provide adequate social
entrepreneurships based on shared and psychosocial services to all Filipinos,
prosperity, respect for the dignity of labor, particularly during crisis situations and
and public interest. The Philippines shall in conflict-affected areas. The Philippines
advance an economic regime where the shall continue to build economic resilience
people take command of their own lives, to better prepare regions to anticipate,
livelihoods, and economic destiny. Although withstand, and recover from any shocks
private sector-driven growth is crucial, the that they may experience. The Philippines,
role of the State is essential in creating the through relevant laws and new legislation,
enabling environment for investments. The shall remain vigilant and proactive against
Philippines endeavors to increase access and threats, including the threat of physical or
economic opportunities in all regions. virtual foreign control and manipulation,
to critical and strategic infrastructures in
The Philippines shall promote gainful information and communication or other
employment opportunities, advance public utilities vital to national security and
workers’ welfare, maintain industrial peace economic well-being.

The Philippines recognizes that a in strategic industries between and among
prosperous country equates to a strong countries that are important for promoting
military. A sustainable growth in the economy the country’s economy and to generate
shall mean greater allocation for defense resources to keep pace with other countries’
expenditure. The Philippines shall also military modernization.
forge partnerships and joint investments
ECONOMIC, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND FINANCIAL SECURITY

The Government shall ensure strong The economic security of people affected
macroeconomic fundamentals. The role of by climate change, armed conflict, and
the security sector is to create a safe and other crises or hazards shall be guaranteed
secure business environment to promote through a rationalized land use plan and
investment confidence. The Government shall comprehensive hazard mapping. The tourism
ensure stability in the country’s financial sector shall be strengthened, secured
and banking systems and shall manage and promoted to ensure its sustainability,
systemic risks. The Government shall remain resilience, and global competitiveness. The
committed to achieving inclusive economic Government shall guide the young and
growth. abundant human capital towards nation-
building by creating the conditions that will
allow them to seize the opportunities in the
The Government must enhance sea-based
blue economy and the globalized economic
planning and management to complement
order.
the land-based framework of economic
development policymaking and programming.
The Government shall develop a globally
The Government shall closely monitor
competitive labor force by enhancing the
domestic and external developments to
education and values formation of the young
assess the situation and thereafter design
population. Aside from being equipped
appropriate interventions to cushion the
with the tools that can foster a science and
adverse impact on ordinary Filipinos. The
technology-capable economy, the Filipino
Government shall strengthen the national labor force both here and abroad shall be
security review of foreign investments in encouraged to live by the principles of civic
national strategic industries, especially virtue, patriotism, and love for the country.
those involving, cyber infrastructure,
telecommunication, pipeline transportation,
and other military-related industries.

FOOD, NUTRITION, AND WATER SECURITY
Food security, as defined in the 1996 capability of farmers and fisherfolk groups
World Food Summit, exists when all people, at and cooperatives on the production of A&F
all times, have physical and economic access inputs, and integrate agricultural technology
to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that innovation.
meet their dietary needs and preferences for
an active and healthy life. The Government The Philippines, being an archipelagic
shall prioritize the increased availability, and maritime nation, shall work towards
accessibility, affordability, and safety of all increasing the output of captured fisheries
food groups, staple or not, that are needed and reap the benefits of its vast maritime
for a balanced and varied diet and that will wealth especially from the West Philippine
ultimately support the health outcomes of Sea. The Government shall also prioritize the
individual and communities. elimination of smuggling, price manipulation
through hoarding and cartel leading to
The strategic policy directions shall be economic sabotage, and effect prosecution
aligned with the Agriculture and Fisheries of all perpetrators. It shall also diversify
Modernization Act (AFMA) of 1992, Anti- food supply sources by augmenting
Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 (R.A. domestic supply through international trade
10845), Food Safety Act of 2013 (R.A.10611), and maximizing the use of non-traditional
The Price Act (R.A. 7581), and the medium- agricultural areas. It shall also reduce
term interventions set in the Philippine Plan the country’s dependence on imports of
of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028. agricultural fertilizers, pesticides, and staple
The impact of climate change on agriculture food items like rice and sugar.
and fishery is a primordial factor in national
planning. The Government shall attain nutrition
security through promotion of healthy
The Government shall ensure productivity lifestyle and providing all Filipinos, especially
and resilience of the agriculture and fisheries vulnerable groups, access to essential health
(A&F) sectors to increase their contribution and nutrition service at all times.
to the economy; sustain access to affordable,
safe, and nutritious food for the growing The Government shall promote water
population; prevent the causes of food security by investing in and monitoring
shortage and low productivity; and apply water infrastructure facilities and services,
ensuring access to safe water and sanitation,
integrated water resource management in
and preserving ecosystems in land, water,
planning and management. The Government
and coastal resources. The Government shall
shall modernize A&F processes, streamline
align water security policy with the directions
the value chain, eliminate cartels, set up
set in the National Environmental Health
a seed bank for high-value crops and
Action Plan (NEHAP) 2023-2030.
indigenous plants / trees, boost the local

ENERGY SECURITY
The Government supports the country’s emissions, and promoting energy efficiency
inclusive and equitable economic growth and conservation as a way of life.
through the provision of reasonably priced,
reliable, resilient, clean/climate-centered, The Government must plan for the long
and accessible forms of energy resources. term to achieve an energy flow that is
The Government shall diversify its energy sustainable, stable, sufficient, accessible,
portfolio with the use of more indigenous safe, reasonably priced and above all,
resources that are less affected by price secure. Investments in renewable energy,
distortion and supply disruptions. The use
such as geothermal, wind, solar, hydro
of clean and energy efficient alternative
and biomass, as well as energy efficiency
fuels and technologies shall be prioritized
projects and technologies, shall be increased.
to manage the country’s energy demand
The Government shall also accelerate the
and to transition the country towards a low
transition to a low-carbon future through
carbon economy. Threats to energy security,
the expansion of the use of energy-
such as the protection of critical energy
infrastructures against the effects of climate efficient appliances and the penetration of
change and human-induced hazards, shall be electric vehicles in the market to minimize
addressed. dependence on imported fossil-based fuels
that are subject to volatile prices. Given that
The Government shall ensure that the the Philippines is an archipelago, marine and
country’s energy infrastructure is resilient tidal sources of energy shall be protected
from energy supply threats including those and advanced through science, technology,
in cyberspace, price shocks and distortions, and infrastructure investments.
and disruptions caused by natural and
human-induced hazards. The Government The Government shall explore
is committed to securing and protecting development of the untapped energy
energy supply throughout the country, reserves in the country’s offshore areas
sustaining and developing existing energy including in the West Philippine Sea to help
resources, diversifying the energy mix, reduce dependence on imported energy. The
developing renewable energy sources in Government shall also develop expertise and
order to support the growing demands and technical knowledge to extract offshore oil
contribute to global efforts to reduce carbon and gas.

TRANSPORTATION AND PORT SECURITY
Airports, seaports, and transportation states of calamity. These roads should be
systems are gateways to nations and are strategically located, well-maintained, and
heavily relied on by the Filipino people for easily accessible for swift mobilization.
trade and mobility. These systems are When constructing mass transportation
crucial to national security, thus, their full systems, such as subways or bullet trains,
modernization is essential. Aside from the Government shall consider building
their direct contributions to the country’s emergency shelters and evacuation sites
economy and tourism, they are catalysts for
alongside them. These transportation
peace and development in the countryside.
facilities should have built-in back-up storage
The Government shall streamline the
for essential resources, including medical
security procedures within and across the
supplies, food, and other critical items.
land, sea and air sectors. The Government
shall develop integrated and sustainable
The Government shall continuously
transportation and port network systems
upgrade and improve the country’s aviation,
that can move goods, people, and services
more efficiently. port and cargo, and immigration facilities,
civilian air and coastal signal, and radar
The Government shall prioritize the monitoring systems, while ensuring the
construction of national roads that can also implementation of more thorough security
serve as landing zones for Government measures and border control protocols with
air assets during national emergencies or the goal of meeting international standards.
NATIONAL IDENTITY, HARMONY, AND CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE
The Philippines shall promote moral and ethical standards, drawn from traditions
consensus and a strong sense of nationhood and cultural heritage, and embodying the
in order to motivate the citizenry to Filipino identity and way of life.
participate vigorously in the pursuit of
national goals and objectives. Although The Philippines shall constantly harness
moral consensus is difficult to achieve in a and nurture a culture of excellence within
country as culturally heterogeneous as the the individual and society as a whole, until
Philippines, having a clearly defined national it becomes a pattern of thinking, feeling
identity coupled with strong and purposeful and acting. The Government must invest in
leadership, can transcend religious, ethnic, capabilities that foster a culture of excellence
and linguistic barriers. All Filipinos must in the entire bureaucracy; in schools; in the
believe and live by a common set of shared manufacture, export and service sectors; in
values and beliefs grounded on high moral business operations; and other workplaces.

MORAL AND SPIRITUAL CONSENSUS
Where there is moral and spiritual honesty, responsibility, patriotism, equality,
consensus, the people can develop a strong fortitude, fairness, gratitude, compassion,
sense of national identity and solidarity on cooperation, humility, and respect for others
the wisdom and righteousness of the national in the basic education system.
vision. Promoting national consensus and
unity should therefore start by inculcating The Government shall take heed of
love of country and patriotism. Political the current strategic environment where
leaders must not only articulate their advancements in online and digital learning
programs and vision for the country but also technologies are engendering cultural divides
implement them to rally public support. The and social conflicts. Today’s colonization does
Philippines shall promote moral values and not just occur through inter-governmental
the rights of indigenous cultural communities and global action but also on a societal
within the framework of national unity and level through individuals’ thoughts, actions
development. and interactions. Online platforms shall
be utilized to accelerate the acquisition of
The Philippines shall strengthen moral holistic knowledge and experience and to
education which comprises ethical thinking understand what is meaningful and valuable.
and learning of virtues such as love of God,
SOCIO-CULTURAL COHESIVENESS
The Philippines shall foster greater poetry, sculpture, theatre, architecture, and
cultural understanding among the regions; sports shall be promoted, encouraged, and
promote equality before the law; address developed. The traditional iconic symbols
sociological issues, such as employment, such as jeepney, nipa hut, balangay, vinta,
migration and immigration, and overseas and others shall be recognized as part of our
Filipino workers, that impact national security; long history and the old, religious, and biblical
bolster social welfare and development landmarks shall be protected and promoted.
programs and services aimed at reducing
poverty, improving health and nutrition, The Government shall promote a whole-
promoting social justice, and protecting of-region approach, encouraging cooperation
vulnerable individuals and families; and and understanding towards a team mindset
enhance tolerance and dialogue in a climate that consolidates friendship and cultural links
of understanding and tolerance. between state actors. With peace dividends
among its core objectives, such an approach
The Philippines shall preserve and is a potent counterforce to the catastrophic
propagate Filipino heritage, culture, and trajectory of military conflict of war.
values towards fostering a strong sense
of community, building national identity, The Government shall cultivate empathy
and demonstrating creativity. Traditional and prosocial behavior among its citizenry
literature, art, music, dance, food, writing, and develop them to become active agents

and advocates for national security. The interests and the culture of excellence.
Government shall promote equitable The Government shall enhance greater
and integral education and reinforce the participation of civil society groups in the
education sector in protecting the young implementation of policies that impact the
generation and inculcating in their young welfare of the citizens.
minds the importance of our national
ECOLOGICAL BALANCE AND CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCY
National survival rests upon the capacity mitigation. The focus on disaster response,
of the government and the community recovery, and rehabilitation is still crucial,
to effectively conserve and manage the but the overall policy direction should be
environment and natural resources to shifted towards disaster preparedness and
sustain a healthy and liveable Philippines avoidance to prevent the loss of lives and
amidst industrialization, environmental properties. The Philippines shall modernize
crimes, rapid urbanization, and population climate-resilient health care facilities and
growth. The country must build resilience health systems to ensure continuous delivery
from climate-induced and geological hazards of health services during health emergencies
that destabilize socio-political and economic and disasters.
systems. The Philippines must enhance
climate and disaster preparedness and Educating people about disaster risks shall
prevent environmental degradation to reduce be incorporated into national security planning
negative shocks to people’s well-being, a and advocacy. Environmental consciousness,
vital component of national security. The including awareness on the concept of
Philippines must build national resiliency a circular economy and proper waste
by enhancing disaster preparedness disposal, shall be included in the country’s
basic education. Ecosystem protection,
protocols and programs and putting in place
rehabilitation, and management shall be
preventive and mitigating mechanisms. The
strengthened to maximize the ability to protect
Philippines shall adopt a policy of sustainable
communities against the adverse impacts of
development where it will vigorously pursue
climate change and other natural and human-
its current economic goals and priorities
induced hazards (e.g. illegal, unreported,
while protecting and preserving the country’s
and unregulated fishing, illegal wildlife trade,
environment as well as land and marine
poaching, and logging).
ecosystems. The Philippines shall strengthen
law enforcement operations to address the
The Philippines shall ensure that national
prevailing environmental crimes.
policies on Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management (DRRM) are harmonized to
The Philippines shall continue to pursue achieve better results from key initiatives that
and intensify efforts on climate change are implemented at both the local and national
and disaster prevention, adaptation, and levels. While traversing the path towards a

low-carbon and disaster-resilient society, the the transition to a green economy, generate
Philippines shall enjoin national government more green jobs, establish climate-resilient
agencies, LGUs, and other relevant infrastructure, and achieve local community
stakeholders (e.g. business and private sector, resilience.
non-government organizations) to pursue
CYBER, INFORMATION, AND COGNITIVE SECURITY
The Philippines shall manage and mitigate hand, the human thought processes that
the various impacts of climate change apply these platforms have also created risks
and extreme weather events on social and expanded the threat landscape, with
determinants of health, such as access to data and information being susceptible to
clean air and drinking water, food security, threat, compromise, and exploitation. In all,
safe and resilient shelters and infrastructures, the cyber age has provided both risks and
and livelihood and sources of income. opportunities to the country’s approach for
innovation, data integration and management,
The overall goal of cybersecurity is and response to potential security threats
national cyber resilience. The Philippines and challenges.
shall ensure the sustainable growth of a
digital Philippine economy. The Philippines To seize the opportunities of the digital
shall protect online users and ensure an world, the Philippines shall institutionalize the
open and safe Philippine cyberspace. The shift to e-governance, invest in high-speed
COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the internet and digital technologies nationwide,
digital age and the use and inventions of explore satellite technologies, and support
new communication and computational scientific and technological research and
technologies. More and more people are in inventions in information and communications
the cyberspace for various reasons, which technology (ICT), AI, and data science. The
include communications, entertainment, Philippines shall put valuable investment
business, and personal transactions. on technological advancement alongside
cybersecurity to ensure not only
On the one hand, the convenience and effectiveness of government initiatives
efficiency of digital platforms provided toward digital transformation but also public
impetus for the Philippines’ digital service continuity. The Philippines shall
transformation initiatives. In particular, it strengthen ICT training and education related
benefits the economy and elevates the level to the fight against cybercrime, critical
of competitiveness of the country. The infrastructure protection, cybersecurity
emergence of frontier technology such as AI, awareness, cyber-attack alertness and
machine learning techniques and tools, big eradication, and cyber incident response.
data, and IoT, among others, has redefined
how individuals, companies, and states decide At the same time, the Philippines must
and interact with one another. On the other protect the country from the associated risks

of computer or cyber-based attacks that cyberspace domain. The Philippines shall
could cause damage to the economy, banking enhance stakeholders’ engagement and build
and financial systems, communications, citizens’ resilience against disinformation,
aviation, transportation, energy, and other especially among the youth, on the terrorist
critical infrastructures and vital global activities in the cyberspace. Today’s students
technologies such as submarine cables, taking Science, Technology, Engineering,
cable landing stations, and satellites. The and Math (STEM), classes will be the
Philippines shall institute appropriate future cybersecurity professionals who will
measures to shield classified action plans and defend our infrastructure from crippling
programs, sensitive government information cyberattacks. The Philippines shall develop
and state secrets from espionage and other innovative strategies in understanding
hostile actions. and combatting threats in the parallel
digital world and highlight the importance
The Philippines’ cybersecurity readiness of acknowledging the role of generation
and capability shall be improved by Z (Gen-Z) in national security and nation-
amending laws, ensuring network security, building. The Philippines shall also create an
and institutionalizing cybersecurity task agile bureaucracy that is responsive to the
forces to effectively assess and respond needs of the general public.
to vulnerabilities and risks to the country’s
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND STABILITY
Enhancing foreign relations and shall continue to utilize “soft power” assets
international collaboration is important in extending its influence across continents,
for the country’s survival. The world is as it aspires to become a Middle Power in a
increasingly interconnected and nations multi-polar world.
learn to collaborate despite their differences.
The Philippines aspires to optimize its The present global political and economic
engagements, cultivate new ties, seek paradigms are in a state of flux, and the
comprehensive and strategic partnerships continually evolving peace and security
with other countries, and strengthen landscape underscores the pursuit and
partnerships with its allies. Promoting implementation of an independent foreign
development through vigorous diplomacy, policy. The Philippines shall stand by its
protecting the rights, safety and welfare of cherished values as a sovereign nation that
Filipinos overseas, and staying committed subscribes to multilateralism and rules-
to strengthening the Philippines’ role in based international order. The Philippines
ensuring regional and global peace, security, shall remain steadfast in its commitment to
and prosperity are important considerations UNCLOS and in upholding the final and binding
in crafting the country’s foreign policy and South China Sea Arbitration Award of 12 July
advancing national interests. The Philippines 2016. The Philippines shall sustain efforts in

safeguarding the Philippine maritime zones, and obligations to serve as an impetus for the
especially in the West Philippine Sea and advancement of the country’s credibility and
Philippine Rise, and shall strengthen the global stature. It shall sustain its contribution
National Task Force for the West Philippine to ensuring a stable and secure international
Sea (NTF-WPS) to come up with better environment for the country to allow people
measures to cope with the changing security to thrive, politically, economically, socially, and
environment in the maritime region. ecologically. The Government shall highlight
the Philippines’ experiences in building peace
As a founding member of the ASEAN and particularly in the BARMM region and in
the United Nations, the Philippines shares forging new paths of cooperation with the
with like-minded states in the region and the international communities in achieving peace,
world, the global norms of universal human reconciliation, and unity.
rights, the rule of law, market economics,
and rules-based international order. The The overall programs of the Government
Philippines shall continue to pursue bilateral, shall be geared towards articulating
regional, and multilateral cooperation. Philippine strategic interests and promoting a
The same approaches shall be pursued in free, peaceful, prosperous, and rules-based
addressing emerging and hybrid challenges international order. The Philippines shall
with respect to AI, cybersecurity, quantum remain committed to the implementation of
computing, and other emerging technologies. policies on non-proliferation and disarmament
The Philippines holds that ASEAN Centrality, and on preventing the spread of weapons of
as a regional norm in the Asia-Pacific and mass destruction by working and engaging
the wider Indo-Pacific region, is of utmost with partners and like-minded nations to
importance in managing regional security further advance non-proliferation, biological
issues. threat reduction and chemical security
capacity building initiatives, and CBRN
The Philippines shall strengthen the security.
Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic
of the Philippines and the United States The Government shall work towards
of America that was signed on 30 August building an inclusive regional security
1951, along with other existing cooperation architecture that promotes dialogue among
mechanisms with regional partners, to countries, as well as forging practical
achieve a credible defense capability. cooperation and multinational engagements
Cooperation shall be extended to include to address common security challenges.
the safety, welfare, interests, and rights of Diplomacy, guided by the national interest and
the Filipino diaspora, placing due importance the steadfast pursuit of peace, shall guide
on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The Philippine engagements with key allies and
Philippines must sustain the promotion and partners in addressing these challenges.
fulfillment of its international commitments

“
It has been a source of great hope
and optimism to me to now know that
there is an enormous pool of highly
competent and dedicated workers
serving in our government.
It is up to us to provide good leadership

and guidance. They love the Philippines
and have responded to our call.”

Second SONA, 24 July 2023

Chapter 4
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
FOR IMPLEMENTATION

The principles in this Policy shall guide Government actions in unifying and executing its
efforts towards peace, security, resiliency and prosperity.
FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY maintain this bond so that no internal or

external challenge can upset the national
Achieving the vision and shaping the resolve. In perilous times, the cohesion of
strategic environment require a “whole-of- efforts hinges on clear and unequivocal
nation” paradigm where all instruments of resolutions of the national leadership,
national power work in close coordination to demonstrated by their ability to guide and
tackle the increasingly complex and cross- direct all instruments of national power
cutting national security concerns. The through critical decision points.
national security policies and their strategies
should consider the intersecting approaches ENSURING STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
and be inclusive of the voices of all segments
of society. Inclusive policy formulation and Strategic alignment is a process to unify
development should generate a positive all aspects of the Policy towards fulfilling
state-citizen connection and ownership. the national security goals and objectives.
This requires channeling all efforts of This is important because it will improve
the national government, including LGUs, Government performance by allocating
private enterprises, and civil society groups, appropriate resources to achieve the goals
towards the fulfillment of the vision and the and evaluating the effectiveness of systems
Philippines’ vital national interests. To deepen and processes. Understanding the national,
the commitment of the people to the political societal, business, academic, and geopolitical
system, broader and more institutionalized dimensions of strategic alignment can
people participation in governance should be increase collaboration between and among
pursued. agencies, contribute to making informed
decisions, and build strong commitment to
PROMOTING TRUST AND OPTIMISM, AND national strategies. Strategically aligned
STRENGTHENING LEADERSHIP RESOLVE processes motivate security actors
to improve productivity and engage in
The stability and resiliency of the purposeful initiatives to fulfill the national
Philippines depends on the willingness of security goals. In the area of geopolitics, the
the Filipino people to cooperate with the Government should carefully balance the
Government in addressing internal and principle of alignment in a way that promotes
external security challenges. The actions the country’s national interest based on the
of the Government must continue to welfare and security of the Filipino people;
show confidence in the capabilities of the recognition of the country as a responsible
institutions and the Filipino people. A strong member of the international community; and
and healthy state-citizen relationship is a contribution to peace, stability and prosperity
prerequisite for nurturing this optimism. All of the region.
efforts must be made to strengthen and

BENCHMARKING AGAINST INTERNATIONAL The NSP must respond to security threats
NORMS AND BEST PRACTICES and identify possible future threats in the
country and within the region that will affect
Successful policy implementation requires the country. It must also prepare contingency
a culture of introspection that is open to plans to address and mitigate said security
re-examining existing approaches and threats.
adopting best practices towards ensuring
national security. The introspection must be PROMOTING CONSISTENCY AND
coupled with a realistic approach that puts CONTINUITY
emphasis on national interests. Introspection
must necessarily be coupled with dynamism The Philippines promotes policy continuity
so that the Philippines’ approach to in navigating the strategic environment and
national security decision-making is sound, turning challenges into opportunities. While
responsive, and pragmatic to better enhance new and emerging threats and opportunities
the people’s welfare and well-being and to may require adjustments in policy direction,
uphold vital national interests. overarching policy consistency and continuity
should be ensured through appropriate
ANTICIPATING THE FUTURES AND BEING legislation and/or Presidential issuances.
PROACTIVE Congress, which holds the power of the
purse, must support the NSP and the
In a complex and fluid global environment, derivative sectoral security policies and
fast-changing geopolitical realities invariably strategies. Component programs and
churn out new challenges as well as projects supportive of the defined national
opportunities. Through an approach guided by security objectives must be given budgetary
modern information technologies and long- support. Bills that are geared towards the
term strategic thinking and scenario-planning, accomplishment of these goals should be a
the Government must proactively identify the priority of Congress.
wide range of emerging and evolving threats.
The Government must also capitalize on SUSTAINING WEALTH CREATION AND
the opportunities, while mitigating risks and GENERATION
preparing its responses to potential harm and
dangers. The National Intelligence Estimate The Philippines shall ensure a national
(NIE) produced by the National Intelligence and capital accounting of all natural and physical
Coordinating Agency (NICA) shall serve as one assets of the country. The extraction of
of the analytical tools to assess the strategic natural resources shall be balanced with
environment and guide the decision and policy ecological security and environmental
makers in the crafting of the national security protection. The Government’s vision of a free,
policies and strategies and in organizing, resilient, peaceful, and prosperous country
planning, and preparing for the potential crises that is capable of ensuring and promoting
and opportunities. The NIE shall undergo the well-being of Filipino citizens shall be
verifiable inter-agency processes. sustained through wealth creation and

generation in key national security strategic monitoring and evaluation instruments to
industries. The continuous development of assess the status and effectiveness of the
the national security system is intended programs and priority action points identified
to not only effectively respond to the in this Policy. In addition, implementing
security threats, but also to help create the agencies shall submit updates and other
conditions that will enable the citizens to reports as may be required or as needed.
seize opportunities that are beneficial to
the national interests. Understanding the CONSTITUTING OVERSIGHT AND CREATING
link between the development of human ADVOCACY PLAN
resources and wealth creation is key to the
sustainability of the national security system. The National Security Adviser / Director-
General of the National Security Council
MEASURING EFFECTIVENESS AND FEEDBACK Secretariat (NSCS) shall coordinate,
advocate and oversee the implementation
The NSP acknowledges the importance of the NSP. All national government
of metrics and performance indicators to agencies, government-owned and controlled
evaluate success and assess the crucial link corporations (GOCCs), other government
between the strategic goals of the decision- instrumentalities including LGUs, shall
makers and the operational initiatives of implement the NSP, consistent with their
the implementers. The NSC Secretariat, mandates, in their respective spheres
in coordination with the intelligence and areas of jurisdiction. The NSCS shall
community and relevant bodies from develop a strategic communication plan
both the Government and private sectors, and collaborate with the country’s premier
shall develop measures in implementing, national security educational institutions,
monitoring, and evaluating the NSP and their national government agencies, and local
derivative strategies and programs. The government units for advocacy. Whenever
National Intelligence Board (NIB), as the main necessary, the NSCS, in partnership with
coordinating arm of the NSC for national the academe, think tanks, and the like, shall
security and intelligence matters, shall be the provide technical assistance and support
main body for coordinating and overseeing to other departments and agencies in the
the implementation of the Policy and for formulation of sectoral / departmental
monitoring and evaluating the performance policies and strategies which influence
of NIB members and support agencies. national security. The Council Proper chaired
by the President shall review NSP issues and
As Chair of the NIB, the National Security concerns and formulate positions and/or
Adviser shall formulate performance solutions for consideration by the NSC.

ANNEXES

40
Annex A
NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY FRAMEWORK
POLICY CONSISTENC AND EFFECTIVENESS
NATIONAL SECURITY MISSION

VISION: “A FREE, RESILIENT, PEACEFUL, AND PROSPEROUS MARITIME AND ARCHIPELAGIC NATION, AT PEACE WITH
ITSELF AND ITS NEIGHBORS, ENABLED AND PROTECTED BY A RELIABLE DEFENSE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SYSTEM.”
Promote and enhance the
welfare and well-being of the
NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

Filipino people CONTRIBUTE TO THE ATTAINMENT OF ENABLING ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO SUSTAINABLE PEACE, SECURITY, AND PROSPERITY
Public/
Stakeholder
Ensure the territorial intergrity POLICY CONSISTENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS P O L I C Y C O N T I N U I T Y Value
and sovereignty are protected
and safeguarded
Inclusion and People-Empowerment Effec�veness in Managing Threats and Opportuni�es Resiliency, Leadership Resolve, and Strategic Communica�on
Achieve na�onal unity and D E L I V E R C O N S I S T E N T, H I G H - Q U A L I T Y G O V E R N M E N T S E R V I C E S

contribute to interna�onal
peace and harmony PROTECT AND SAFEGUARD TERRITORIAL
PROMOTE HUMAN SECURITY ACHIEVE PEACE AND NATIONAL UNITY
INTEGRITY AND SOVEREIGNTY
STRATEGIC SERVICES AND
GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS • Food, Nutri�on, and Water Security
Consistent Policy and • Economic, Infrastructure, and Financial • Defense and Military Security • Poli�cal Security
Leadership Support Security • Mari�me, Air, Land, and Space Security
Effec�ve and Timely
• Public Safety, Peace, and Jus�ce
Intelligence • Health and Bio-Security • Border Security • Socio-Cultural Cohesiveness Client/
Secure Informa�on and Cri�cal • Ecological Balance and Climate Change Stakeholder
• Cyber, Informa�on and Cogni�ve Security • Moral and Spiritual Consensus
Infrastructure and Reliable ICT Resiliency
Tools and Database System
• Regional and Interna�onal Peace and
Competent and Agile Human • Energy Security Stability
Resources • Transporta�on and Port Security
Good Governance
C O N T R I B U T E I N M A I N TA I N I N G R E G I O N A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L P E A C E A N D S TA B I L I T Y
NATIONAL VALUES
COMPETENCY R E S O U R C E G E N E R AT I O N
Love of God, Patrio�sm, Rule
Develop human capital Effec�ve use of the Support and enhance opera�ons through Drive success through partnerships, innova�ve solu�ons, Process/
of Law and Respect for Human
competencies instruments of na�onal power appropriate funding and legisla�on needs and strategic industries development Strategy
Rights, Common Good,
Democracy and Freedom,
For�tude, Inclusivity, Social
Jus�ce, Innova�on Develop people’s skills, mindsets, and
Improve NS organiza�ons and Strengthen strategic partnerships Use science-based tools and technologies Learning
a�tudes to transform the organiza�on and and Growth
achieve opera�onal excellence harness their full poten�al and create new alliances that enhance performance
Annex B

www.nsc.gov.ph

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2023-2028

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The Philippines’ national security landscape continues to shift and transform,

The National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028 is a testament to our

FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 1

Executive Order No. 37

2 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

To succeed, the NSP 2023-2028 relies on a whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach.

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 3

BUT LET ME BE CLEAR. WE ARE VERY

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.

4 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 5

THE NATIONAL SECURITY VISION

“a free, resilient, peaceful, and prosperous archipelagic and

6 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 7

8 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 9

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.

Apart from climate change-related disasters,

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.

10 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 11

12 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 13

14 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 15

“Let us all be part of the solution that we

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.

16 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 17

NATIONAL SECURITY INTEREST NATIONAL SECURITY AGENDA

Public Safety, Peace and Justice

Economic Strength and Solidarity

Economic, Infrastructure, and Financial Security

Moral and Spiritual Consensus

Ecological Balance and Climate Change Resiliency

Cyber, Information and Cognitive Security

18 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

DEFENSE AND MILITARY SECURITY

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 19

MARITIME, AIR, LAND, AND SPACE SECURITY

20 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

POLITICAL STABILITY, PEACE, AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Human security and economic The conflict-sensitive, peace-promoting

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 21

PUBLIC SAFETY, PEACE, AND JUSTICE

22 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 23

ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND SOLIDARITY

The Philippines shall vigorously pursue by promoting harmonious and stable

24 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028

ECONOMIC, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND FINANCIAL SECURITY

NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 25

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NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 27

NATIONAL IDENTITY, HARMONY, AND CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE

28 NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028