Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. on Saturday called for the sustained and accelerated development of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), urging the expansion of its capabilities, broader strategic presence across the archipelago, and a stronger role in the country's Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
Teodoro delivered the call during the PMC's 76th birthday celebration held at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on November 7, 2026, where he served as Guest of Honor and Speaker.
Marcos Expresses Confidence in Marine Corps
Teodoro conveyed the best wishes of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who expressed confidence in the Corps' continued growth, according to a Department of National Defense (DND) press release issued by releasing authority Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong.
Marcos expressed confidence in the PMC's commitment to maintaining its fighting capabilities, core values, morale, and presence throughout the archipelago, the DND statement said.
Four Marine Brigades for 7,600 Islands Called 'Way Too Small'
Teodoro echoed remarks made by 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.
Kalayaan Island Group Cited as Priority Presence Area
The Defense chief placed particular emphasis on maintaining a credible presence and deterrence in the Kalayaan Island Group, the DND statement said. He called for closer coordination among the Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Coast Guard in that area.
Teodoro Calls for Strategic Operating Bases
Teodoro urged the development of a sustainable yet urgent growth plan for the Marines, which would include the establishment of strategic operating bases — either co-located with existing military facilities or set up independently.
He also stressed the need to strengthen logistical readiness and maintain adequate physical reserves, warning that global supply chains are tightening and competition for resources is intensifying.
"[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.
DND and AFP Working to Accelerate Modernization
Teodoro acknowledged that closing existing capability gaps would require substantial effort. He said the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), under the leadership of President Marcos, are actively working to accelerate the country's defense modernization and readiness initiatives, according to the DND press release.
He also cited the Philippines' participation in major multilateral exercises and the need for the Marine Corps to strengthen its professional networks with foreign marine forces, with the goal of identifying tactics, technologies, and equipment appropriate to the country's operational environment.
Investment in Future Military Leaders
Beyond equipment and infrastructure, Teodoro said investing in the development of future military leadership is important. He called for greater opportunities for young officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource personnel to gain early exposure to leadership responsibilities through mentorship, cross-training, and international engagement.
The Defense chief said these measures are necessary to build the technical competencies, adaptability, and foresight needed to address emerging defense and security challenges facing the country.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Department of National Defense