Pentagon official praises ‘progress’ in EDCA sites in the Philippines

A senior Pentagon official visiting the Philippines praised “progress” in the nine locations where the United States had been given wider access under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby speaking at a forum hosted by Stratbase Institute in Manila last Monday, August 10, 2026. Official handout.

Manuel Mogato | August 14, 2026

MANILA — A senior Pentagon official visiting the Philippines praised “progress” in the nine locations where the United States had been given wider access under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

In an online press briefing, US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby noted progress in developing these EDCA sites over the last 18 months since US President Donald Trump assumed office.

“Overall, we have substantially accelerated the relationship with the Philippines, and we are proud to say that there has been progress with the EDCA sites and we anticipate more,” said Colby.

Colby did not elaborate on the changes to the nine EDCA sites; two of the facilities on the western Palawan island face the contested West Philippine Sea. (Also read: U.S. senior defense official sees PH as ‘model ally’ in shift toward stronger regional deterrence)

Three of the EDCA sites are air bases in Pampanga, Cagayan, and Cagayan de Oro City, two are Army bases in Isabela and Nueva Ecija, and a naval base in Cagayan.

The US has been funding the construction of barracks, warehouses, fuel, water, and ammunition depots in some EDCA sites. Improvements were also made in the runways and ramp areas in Basa Air Base in Pampanga.

Colby said the US government has been closely working with Filipinos in support of the Philippine “sovereignty and national perspective.

“And that’s the reason that we refer to them as a model ally. They’re really leaning forward in a very productive and collaborative way,” Colby said..

Colby said the US has been focused on strengthening the Philippines’ deterrence capabilities in the South China Sea. (Also read: US and Japanese Navies sail with Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea)

“We have unprecedented collaboration with the government in Manila,” the US official added.