Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto has underscored that human security must be central to the Philippines\u2019 national security, saying that real security lies in safeguarding everything that allows Filipino families to live with dignity and hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his speech at National Security Summit 2025, Executive Secretary Recto said national security must be defined by the everyday issues that affect the lives of Filipino families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is food that is affordable. Power that stays on. A job that pays enough. Truth in our newsfeeds. Trust in our institutions,\u201d he said. \u201cBecause security is more than the absence of a shooting war. It means the presence of opportunity,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In line with this, the Executive Secretary commended the National Security Council (NSC) for aligning the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which addresses every thread of Filipino life\u2014from farmers facing climate uncertainty, to soldiers guarding frontiers, to teachers shaping young minds against disinformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To secure the Filipino people\u2019s future, the Executive Secretary highlighted that the Marcos Jr. administration is strengthening food security, expanding universal healthcare, and investing in quality education and workforce development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor our greatest asset\u2014our greatest defense\u2014is the empowered, enlightened, engaged and educated Filipino people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Restoring Public Trust<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Executive Secretary Recto also stressed that weak governance and institutional challenges\u2014including corruption, misuse of public funds, and lack of transparency\u2014pose serious risks to national security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is why we are pushing for good governance reforms\u2014finally pursuing an anti-political dynasty bill, reforming the party list system, and giving public access to government expenditures,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor building stronger and more transparent institutions is the nation\u2019s sturdiest security defense,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also highlighted the administration\u2019s commitment to fiscal discipline and maintaining a disciplined national budget focused on quality spending to ensure that public funds are directed to programs that genuinely benefit the Filipino people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To address multiple challenges the country is facing today, the Executive Secretary emphasized the need for strategic synergy across all sectors, including the uniformed forces, policy leaders, academics, civil society, industry, and local communities. He said that true national security requires \u201ca government that moves as one, an economy that is strong and felt by every household, and a future defended by all.\u201d In closing, he urged all stakeholders to view the Summit as a renewed commitment\u2014not just to protect the State, but to safeguard the hopes and dreams of every Filipino family.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto has underscored that human security must be central to the Philippines\u2019 national security, saying that real security lies in safeguarding everything that allows Filipino families to live with dignity and hope. In his speech at National Security Summit 2025, Executive Secretary Recto said national security must be defined by the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1943,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n