TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – Regional Development Council Chair and Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III has shown support for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), citing that it may spur progress and development in their province as well as the entire region.
Recently, it was reported that the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Isabela is among the four new locations for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which Malacañang announced on April 3, 2023, while two others in the province of Cagayan – at Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana and Lal-lo International Airport and one in Balabac Island in Palawan.
Albano said the EDCA site in Isabela may increase disaster planning and response, strengthen military capabilities, speed up modernization, and might also be a huge assistance in relief efforts during emergencies and natural disasters.
He added that the province may utilize the cutting-edge technology and equipment used by United States armed forces for infrastructure development, communication improvement through internet expansion, and satellite installations.
While some fear that the EDCA’s placement in Isabela and Cagayan could put people at risk from potential conflict between two hostile countries, the governor claimed that the Mutual Assured Destruction theory or principle would prevent a war between the US and China. TNF – Jamiela Estabillo
