Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto has underscored that human security must be central to the Philippinesโ national security, saying that real security lies in safeguarding everything that allows Filipino families to live with dignity and hope.
In his speech at National Security Summit 2025, Executive Secretary Recto said national security must be defined by the everyday issues that affect the lives of Filipino families.
โIt is food that is affordable. Power that stays on. A job that pays enough. Truth in our newsfeeds. Trust in our institutions,โ he said. โBecause security is more than the absence of a shooting war. It means the presence of opportunity,โ he added.
In line with this, the Executive Secretary commended the National Security Council (NSC) for aligning the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which addresses every thread of Filipino lifeโfrom farmers facing climate uncertainty, to soldiers guarding frontiers, to teachers shaping young minds against disinformation.
To secure the Filipino peopleโs future, the Executive Secretary highlighted that the Marcos Jr. administration is strengthening food security, expanding universal healthcare, and investing in quality education and workforce development.
โFor our greatest assetโour greatest defenseโis the empowered, enlightened, engaged and educated Filipino people,โ he said.
Restoring Public Trust
Executive Secretary Recto also stressed that weak governance and institutional challengesโincluding corruption, misuse of public funds, and lack of transparencyโpose serious risks to national security.
โThis is why we are pushing for good governance reformsโfinally pursuing an anti-political dynasty bill, reforming the party list system, and giving public access to government expenditures,โ he said.
โFor building stronger and more transparent institutions is the nationโs sturdiest security defense,โ he added.
He also highlighted the administrationโs commitment to fiscal discipline and maintaining a disciplined national budget focused on quality spending to ensure that public funds are directed to programs that genuinely benefit the Filipino people.
To address multiple challenges the country is facing today, the Executive Secretary emphasized the need for strategic synergy across all sectors, including the uniformed forces, policy leaders, academics, civil society, industry, and local communities. He said that true national security requires โa government that moves as one, an economy that is strong and felt by every household, and a future defended by all.โ In closing, he urged all stakeholders to view the Summit as a renewed commitmentโnot just to protect the State, but to safeguard the hopes and dreams of every Filipino family.
