Manila, March 4 -- The Philippines and the United States have long been allies in the international arena, which has not only helped in strengthening national security and defense but also maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific Region.

This alliance has been reinforced under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration with the signing last year of the Philippines-Security Sector Assistance Roadmap (P-SSAR), an agreement that aligns the joint priorities of both countries in enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

P-SSAR was finalized on July 29, 2024, a day before the fourth Philippines-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. The roadmap outlines the "bilaterally determ...