President Bongbong R. Marcos has approved the 2024 National Security Strategy (NSS) designed to enhance the country’s ability to address both local and global security challenges.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the President approved the NSS during a meeting at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Deceber 19. The NSS, 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 sustainable economic growth through resilience and legislative support,” Año explained.
Former AFP chief Año stressed 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 also about protecting the hopes and dreams of every Filipino family. . . . It provides a roadmap for building a resilient, united, and self-reliant nation,” he emphasized.
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.
The strategy’s key priorities include investing in education and healthcare, strengthening governance, and leveraging technology to enhance national defense, protect critical industries, support economic growth, and uphold the country’s 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. By working together, we can overcome challenges, protect our sovereignty, and create a brighter future for all,” Año said.