The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and the Philippine Army have formalized a partnership to enhance coordination between local governments, local leagues, and the military on security, disaster response, and community resilience. ULAP National President and Quirino Governor Dax Cua and Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Roy M. Galido led the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Philippine Army Headquarters, reinforcing the role of local government units (LGUs) in national security efforts.
For years, LGUs have been at the frontline of crises—whether responding to natural disasters, addressing local security threats, or navigating the challenges that come with economic development. This partnership provides a framework to improve coordination between LGUs and the Philippine Army, ensuring that local governments have the necessary support, training, and resources to handle security concerns more effectively.
Governor Cua emphasized that security and development go hand in hand, and LGUs must be proactive in ensuring that their communities are both safe and resilient. He acknowledged that while local leaders are often focused on service delivery and economic programs, security concerns—from insurgency to maritime threats—directly impact governance and community well-being. “Security isn’t just the responsibility of the military—it affects everyone. Local governments need to be engaged, informed, and ready to respond,” he said.
The Philippine Army, in turn, has committed to working closely with LGUs to enhance coordination on security matters, particularly through improved reservist programs, emergency response mechanisms, and better integration of local peace and order councils in security planning. A technical working group will oversee the implementation of the MOU, ensuring that commitments translate into concrete action at the community level.
With this agreement, ULAP and the Philippine Army are taking steps to bridge the gap between local governance and national security, recognizing that effective collaboration is key to ensuring safer, more prepared communities.
