Ang Pahayagan

ZAMBALES – The first-ever unified execution of three different in-service exercises of the Philippine Navy (PN) officially began in an opening ceremony held on board the BRP Tarlac (LD601) anchored at the Naval Operating Base (NOB) Subic in Zambales.

Newly-installed Philippine Fleet (PF) Commander, Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe, led the ceremony that formally kicked off the integrated conduct of Exercise Pagbubuklod, Exercise Pagsasama, and Exercise Pagsisikap, the respective annual unilateral exercise of the PF, Fleet-Marine Ready Force, and PN reservists, respectively.

Rear Adm. Orbe in his remarks urged every participating individual to treat every exercise “as if it is the real thing, the real world.”

“So as the Commander of the Philippine Fleet, concurrently the officer conducting the exercise, I would like for us to be able maximize all the learnings, all the experiences, identify the gaps, test our doctrines, and improve. It is only way to move forward,” he added.

A series of exercises will be conducted both in-port and at sea, starting with in-port/harbor activities such as Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), Tabletop Exercises (TTX), and Mission Planning. These will be followed by Field Training Exercises (FTX) and at-sea events, where participants will execute the plans developed during the earlier planning and in-port phases.

The commencement of Pagbubuklod, Pagsasama, and Pagsisikap 2024 marked a significant step in enhancing the operational readiness and interoperability of the Philippine Fleet. This year’s iteration reinforces the Fleet’s proficiency and aims strengthen the capabilities of the Philippine Navy in addressing the evolving maritime challenges.