Some key projects under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program will proceed after the United States exempted US$336 million in security assistance from its foreign aid freeze.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed on February 24 that the U.S. had granted the exemption, ensuring continued support for the Philippines’ defense initiatives.

For military officials, the funding is more than just financial assistance — it is a reaffirmation of the Philippines’ long-standing security alliance with the U.S. and a crucial investment in national defense.

“This is a welcome development on our part, and we are glad to continue,” AFP’s public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said during press briefing on February 25.

The funding, part of a broader $500 million package approved by the U.S. Congress last year, will support the acquisition and development of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites and other defense initiatives. However, the AFP said it would leave specific allocations to top leadership.

While not all planned projects will move forward, high-priority initiatives, including the acquisition of air surveillance radars, coastal defense systems, and upgrades to existing naval bases, are expected to push through.

Prioritizing key military projects

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said that higher headquarters had already mapped out key programs for the coming years.

“The unfreezing of the aid to the Philippines by the U.S. government is a very much welcome development. This has been planned in advance,” he said.

The Navy official added that the funding would allow the continuation of planned activities across air, land, and sea, including improvements to support systems and cyber capabilities.

“With this unfreezing of the support by the U.S. government, it only means that our programs that have been initially planned out will push through. This will include activities on sea, air, and land, and even our support systems, cyber, and other areas,” he added.

The U.S. assistance comes as Manila strengthens its maritime defense amid China’s increasingly aggressive activities in the West Philippine Sea. Philippine vessels and aircraft have repeatedly faced harassment from China, prompting the government to reinforce its military posture.

Malacañang Palace welcomes U.S. support

Malacañang expressed gratitude for the exemption, highlighting its significance in advancing the country’s defense modernization efforts.

“This is a significant development, and we are very thankful for this support,” Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing also on February 25.

“Let’s remember, this is from the government of former US President Biden, and it was also adopted during the time of President Donald Trump. So, it’s nice to receive such good news, and the support of the U.S. to us is undeniable,” Castro added.

She noted that the aid reflects the enduring partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines and will play a crucial role in modernizing the AFP.

According to a Reuters report, the Trump administration has approved the release of $5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid, including $336 million for the modernization of the Philippine security forces.

Soldiers’ allowance hike secured 

In a separate development, the AFP clarified that reports claiming the disapproval of a PHP350 (US$ 6.05) daily subsistence allowance hike for military personnel were false.

“Contrary to these misleading reports, the PHP350 daily subsistence allowance increase has been successfully incorporated into the approved 2025 General Appropriations Act,” the AFP stated in a Facebook post on February 26.

Previously set at PHP150 (US$2.59) per day, the allowance is used primarily for food and meal expenses. The adjustment will benefit approximately 150,000 military personnel nationwide.

The AFP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting soldiers’ welfare, urging the public to be vigilant against misinformation. 

“The AFP remains dedicated to the well-being of its soldiers and will continue to prioritize their needs. We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation in combating the spread of false information,” the post read.

As tensions in the West Philippine Sea persist, the Philippines remains committed to strengthening its defense capabilities, both through modernization efforts and improved support for military personnel.

Photo credit: AFP. AFP’s public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad.