Lawmaker, governor suggest Surigao del Norte as EDCA site
THE governor and representative in Congress of Surigao del Norte urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States of America military forces to consider the province as an additional site for Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said he and his brother, Gov. Lyndon Barbers, are inviting the AFP and the US military to inspect the province.
“Our province is situated on the northeastern tip of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean. Its deep waters can accommodate the huge naval ships of the United States. It has a distinct advantage as it is openly facing the Pacific Ocean yet has an outlet to the West Philippine Sea,” Rep. Barbers said.
“The ships can traverse the country from East to West and vice-versa without needing to circle around. This is a very strategic advantage. Military presence will discourage any hostile activity and even posturing by foreign forces both civilian or otherwise,” he added.
According to the officials, setting up an EDCA base would benefit not only the province but the whole eastern regions of the Visayas and Mindanao.
“In times of calamities, aid can be delivered fast and wide. Immediate assistance and relief will prevent loss of countless lives and massive damage. Remember that our region is always under threat from nature’s wrath, be it super typhoons or strong earthquakes,” Gov. Lyndon said.
The two added that the people of Surigao del Norte will warmly welcome the Americans because of their long standing friendship and alliance.
“Needless to say, establishment of an EDCA site in Surigao del Norte will surely spur economic prosperity to the region, to which the people will be happy about,” the lawmaker said.
“The mere presence of our armed forces and our allies will greatly enhance our confidence building measures. Our fisherfolks will have nothing to worry about being driven away by hostile forces within our own territory,” the solon added.
