Recto: Human security must be central to national security

Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto has underscored that human security must be central to the Philippines’ 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.

 “It is food that is affordable. Power that stays on. A job that pays enough. Truth in our newsfeeds. Trust in our institutions,” he said. “Because security is more than the absence of a shooting war. It means the presence of opportunity,” 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 life—from farmers facing climate uncertainty, to soldiers guarding frontiers, to teachers shaping young minds against disinformation.

 To secure the Filipino people’s 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.

 “For our greatest asset—our greatest defense—is the empowered, enlightened, engaged and educated Filipino people,” he said.

Restoring Public Trust

Executive Secretary Recto also stressed that weak governance and institutional challenges—including corruption, misuse of public funds, and lack of transparency—pose serious risks to national security.

“This is why we are pushing for good governance reforms—finally pursuing an anti-political dynasty bill, reforming the party list system, and giving public access to government expenditures,” he said.

 “For building stronger and more transparent institutions is the nation’s sturdiest security defense,” he added.

He also highlighted the administration’s 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 “a government that moves as one, an economy that is strong and felt by every household, and a future defended by all.” In closing, he urged all stakeholders to view the Summit as a renewed commitment—not just to protect the State, but to safeguard the hopes and dreams of every Filipino family.