DEPARTMENT of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro announced plans to accelerate the development of Lumbia Air Base to accommodate the 15th Strike Wing of the Philippine Air Force.
During his weekend visit to the former Laguindingan Airport, Teodoro said the 15th Strike Wing, currently based at Danilo Atienza Air Base in Cavite, will be relocated to Lumbia to serve as its maintenance and training hub.
“Papaspasan namin ang pag develop dito (Lumbia Base) kasi kailangang lumipat na ang 15th strike wing,” said Teodoro.
The 15th Strike Wing specializes in tactical and ground air support operations for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The Lumbia facility will house its assets, including attack helicopters and aircraft, and will serve as a joint command center for the DND, AFP, and Eastern Mindanao Command.
Teodoro also discussed plans for an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) site within the air base, which will feature a warehouse for pre-positioning humanitarian aid and disaster response equipment.
The Edca site, funded by the United States, will bolster Northern Mindanao’s disaster relief operations.
“Para sa ganon maka preposition ang US ng kagamitan para sa disaster response at madali na lang ang pagkuha nang goods pag kailangan,” the defense secretary explained.
The Lumbia Air Base's strategic location—near Laguindingan Airport and the planned naval base in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental—makes it a critical asset for both military and humanitarian operations.
Teodoro clarified that while the Edca site will be US-funded, the infrastructure for the 15th Strike Wing will be financed by the Philippine government.
The development aligns with the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to enhance security operations and disaster preparedness, utilizing one of the nine designated Edca sites nationwide.
