Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has expressed the Philippines’ commitment to deploy more Filipino troops in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions worldwide.

He made this commitment during the Pledging Session I-Training and Capacity Building, Partnership, Cross-Cutting Issues of the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday (local time).

“As a trusted partner, innovative pathfinder, and committed peacemaker, the Philippines supports all efforts to revitalize and further strengthen peacekeeping missions. We are prepared to expand our participation and help shape the future of peacekeeping,” Teodoro said.

The DND chief added that peacekeeping is one of the clearest symbols of the UN’s promise to protect people and preserve peace.

“We honor the more than 70,000 UN peacekeepers—women and men—who serve under challenging conditions worldwide,” Teodoro said.

He also committed to increasing the number of Filipino peacekeepers deployed globally in the years to come.

“In this regard, we are honored to announce our new pledges: the deployment of one light infantry battalion and one formed police unit under the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. The Philippines will also continue to deploy military observers and individual police officers and to support staff offices of United Nations missions worldwide,” he added.

Teodoro said these contributions build upon the Philippines’ existing pledges, which include a quick reaction force company and a military construction engineering company.

“On new peacekeeping models, there must be a clear outcome when we engage in a peacekeeping mission, and that political outcome must be based on and in line with the United Nations Charter,” he added.

Teodoro also reiterated that the Philippines will continue to deploy military and police personnel in any area while taking into consideration their effectiveness in fulfilling the mandate of their deployment.

While doing so, the DND chief stressed that all Filipino personnel continue to uphold the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in fulfilling their mandates.

“Finally, we are honored to announce that the Philippines will host the 2025 ASEAN Peacekeeping Staff Exercise this September, underscoring our dedication to fostering regional cooperation and strengthening partnerships between the United Nations and regional and regional, and subregional organizations,” Teodoro said.

Aside from this, the DND chief said the country reaffirmed its commitment to support the UN’s capacity-building initiatives.

“To this end, we pledge to host the United Nations Triangular Partnership Programme Training Courses in the ASEAN region in the Calendar Year 2029 to 2030. We also pledge to provide certified military mobile training teams to enhance peacekeeper preparedness in addressing both emerging and persistent challenges,” he added.

Teodoro also said the Philippines strongly supports the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping.

“We are proud to meet the Secretary-General’s 2025 targets under the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, and as part of our continued commitment, we pledge to increase the deployment of women peacekeepers across all roles,” he added. (PNA)