MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the 2024 National Security Strategy (NSS) to enhance the country’s ability to tackle complex security challenges both locally and globally.
In a statement on Sunday, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año announced that the President approved the NSS during a meeting at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Dec. 19, 2024.
The NSS, which supports the administration’s National Security Policy for 2023-2028, outlines 53 strategic directions and 393 actionable steps designed to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, protect citizens’ welfare, and promote peace and unity.
“The 2024 NSS prioritizes four key areas: human capital development, institution-building, efficient use of national power through diplomacy and defense, and fostering sustainable economic growth through resilience and legislative support,” Año said.
Año, a former military chief, emphasized the NSS’s role in addressing both local and global threats, from territorial disputes to economic challenges, while focusing on the well-being of every Filipino.
“This strategy is not only about defending borders. It’s about protecting the hopes and dreams of every Filipino family,” he said.
“The NSS provides a roadmap for building a resilient, united, and self-reliant nation.”
Aligned with the Philippine Development Plan, the NSS advocates a whole-of-nation approach, encouraging participation from government agencies, private organizations, and local communities to achieve national security goals.
Key priorities of the strategy include investing in education and healthcare, strengthening governance, and leveraging technology to enhance national defense. It also aims to protect critical industries, support economic growth, and uphold the Philippines’ sovereignty, while ensuring opportunities for future generations.
Año urged Filipinos to actively engage in the nation’s collective security efforts.
“Each step we take brings us closer to a future where our children will be proud to call this nation their own,” he said.
“The NSS is a call to action for the entire nation. By working together, we can overcome challenges, protect our sovereignty, and create a brighter future for all,” Año said.
