Minor C4ISR Projects of the Philippine Army under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program

Due to the numerous minor projects involved in the AFP Modernization Program's Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Army and of all other branch services, Philippine Defense Resource decided to combine them to resources pages based on their classification according to Department of National Defense (DND) official documents.

In this case, we focus on Minor C4ISR Projects under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Army, which are projects classified under Force Protection Projects that are less than Php100 million in value.

The project names would still be individually listed in the MaxDefense Philippines' AFP & PCG Modernization Resource Portals and on Philippine Defense Resource's List of Modernization Projects, but will be linked into each of the grouped resource pages of each branch service. Philippine Defense Resource will follow numbering based on its listing from DND documents.

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C4ISR PROJECTS OF THE PHILIPPINE ARMY UNDER THE AFPMP CAPABILITY UPGRADE PROGRAM:

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8. Binoculars Acquisition Project (Joint Acquisition with the Philippine Navy (Marines))

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 1,550 new binoculars for both the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines).

We do not have the exact quantities for each service branch but it is expected that the Philippine Army received majority of the binoculars ordered.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php27,350,000.00. The project's bids opening was held on 16 May 2007, with Willi Hanh Enterprises winning the tender and received the NOA on 14 September 2007.

The company supplier the Hahn Commando 7x40 WR binoculars, which are said to be locally made in Cebu. It was said to be similar in quality to imported binocular brands from Sightron, Steiner, Bushnell and Leupold.

It has an independent range finder reticle, built to military specifications, and is shock-proof, fog-proof, and water-proof.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of July 2008.

The Hahn Commando 7x40 WR Binocular. Photo credits to Project Philippines blog page.

Project Summary:

Binoculars Acquisition Project (Joint Acquisition with the Philippine Navy(Marines)):

Note: Edited as of 11 August 2021.

* End User: Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines)

* Quantity: 1,550 sets

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php27,350,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: Willi Hahn Enterprises

* Product for Delivery: Hahn Commando 7x40 WR Binocular

* Contract Price: Php23,242,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php4,108,000.00

* Status: Unknown quantity received by Philippine Army, although it is expected to be more than what was received by the Philippine Marines. Product delivery completed as of July 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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13. Global Positioning System (GPS) Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 3,750 units of new Global Positioning System devices for the Philippine Army to improve navigation and movement of small units.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php103,550,000.00.

The project's Technical Specifications was approved on 05 January 2006, and a public bidding was opened on 06 March 2007 wherein 5 bidders expressed interest and submitted bids.

The initial bidding process failed, and a second bidding process was opened wherein Garmin Corporation of Taiwan was declared as the Single Calculated Bidder. Garmin Corporation received the Notice of Award (NOA) 21 June 2007 September 2007.

In country tests were conducted on 04 July 2007 in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija to the satisfaction of the Technical Working Group.

The company supplied its GPSMap 60CS series, which are commercially available and can easily be supported and maintained due to Garmin's presence in the Philippines and many other countries, being one of the largest suppliers of GPS devices globally.|
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The deliveries were said to have been completed as of April 2008.

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CS.

Project Summary:

Global Positioning System (GPS) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 17 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 3,750 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php103,550,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: Garmin Corporation

* Product for Delivery: Garmin GPSMAP 60CS

* Contract Price: Php99,483,565.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php4,066,435.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of April 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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15. Digital Camera with Zoom Lens Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 84 units of new Digital DSLR Cameras for the Philippine Army, without mention on how they will be using them. We assume its for a variety of peacetime missions.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php8,890,000.00.

The project's Technical Specifications was approved on 17 January 2007, and a public bidding was opened wherein 7 bidders expressed interest and submitted bids.

The Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) was held on 13 June 2007, although this initial bidding process failed, and a second bidding process was opened wherein the Joint Venture of Values System Philippines Inc. and Canon Marketing Philippines was declared as the Single Calculated Bidder. The Joint Venture received the Notice of Award (NOA) 29 October 2007.

It was not identified what product was supplied but it is obviously from Canon, which is a global leader in DSLR camera technology. MaxDefense Philippines believes it could be a Canon EOS 5D which was around the same price as the winning offer, and was made available in 2005-2006.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of April 2008.

The Canon EOS 5D, believed to be the one delivered to the Philippine Army. Photo credits to Wikipedia.

Project Summary:

Digital Camera with Zoom Lens Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 17 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 84 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php8,890,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: Values System Philippines Inc. - Canon Marketing Philippines Joint Venture

* Product for Delivery: believed to be Canon EOS 5D DSLR Camera

* Contract Price: Php8,777,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php113,000.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of April 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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16. Radio Broadcast System Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 32 units of new Radio Broadcast System for use by the Philippine Army's civil-military operations units, which can be used to enhance the capability of units in information dissemination and in undertaking educational campaigns.

Further information from media sources mentioned that Civil Military Operations Units of each of the Philippine Army's Division-level units were scheduled to receive at least 3 units of the Radio Broadcast System each, which would allow them to operate a short range radio broadcast in far-flung areas.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php13,180,000.00.

Only 2 bidders showed interest and submitted for the project.

The Joint Venture of Kaissar Electronics and Access International won the tender and  received the Notice of Award (NOA) on 16 October 2007.

It was not identified what product was supplied, and it is difficult to ascertain since both companies do not even have a proper website.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of October 2008.

One of the radio broadcast system being used in Negros Occidental in 2013. Photo credits to Philippine Information Agency.

Project Summary:

Radio Broadcast System Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 17 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 32 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php13,180,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: Kaissar Electronics - Access International Joint Venture

* Product for Delivery: unknown model of Radio Broadcast System

* Contract Price: Php12,577,588.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php602,412.00}
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* Status: Product delivery completed as of October 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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26. Civil Military Operations Audio Video System Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 62 units of new Audio Video Systems for use by the Philippine Army's Civil Military Operations units, which can be used to enhance the capability of units in information dissemination and in undertaking educational campaigns.

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including what compose the audio video systems. We assume that it would be mobile, and would probably include televisions or monitors, audio systems, and supporting equipment.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php38,000,000.00.

No information is also available on who won the tender, and what product they supplied, although we know that the contract price was worth Php37,889,316.00 based on DND reports, and that the project was said to have been completed as of December 2011.

No photos were available although this one from 2021 shows an audio video system of the Civil Military Operations Regiment installed on a Kia KM450 utility vehicle. The one procured in 2011 could be similar to the systems (without the vehicle). Photo credits to CMO Regiment, Philippine Army.

Project Summary:

Civil Military Operations Audio Video System Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 18 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army (Civil Military Operations Regiment)

* Quantity: 62 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php38,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php37,889,316.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php110,684.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of December 2011. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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27. C4I / Geographic Information System (2011) Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 1 lot of new C4I/GIS Equipment for use by the Philippine Army with regards to planning in both tactical and operational level of command.

Based on an interview by Geospatial World with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Command Center BGen Ricardo Nepomuceno, the initial system was a stand-alone platform that provides digitized situation map that provides information on the Philippines' terrain, weather, socio-economic level, and opposing forces. And this was used for day-to-day activities including traditional military operations, non-military and non-traditional activities.

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including what compose the C4/GIS Equipment. Due to the nature of the system, it is believed that this project aims to either upgrade and update the C4I/GIS system already in place (considering the AFP has been using GIS since 2006), or provide the Philippine Army with its own GIS that is connected to the GIS used by the AFP.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php11,350,000.00.

No information is also available on who won the tender, and what product they supplied, although we know that the contract price was worth Php11,337,500.00 based on DND reports, and that the project was said to have been completed as of May 2012.

A sample of the GIS in use with the AFP, which is expected to be similar to what the Philippine Army could be using. Photo screengrabbed from presentation by BGen. Ricardo Nepomuceno, credits belong to him and to the AFP Command Center.

Project Summary:

C4I / Geographic Information System Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 1 lot

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php11,350,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php11,337,500.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php12,500.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of May 2012. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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33. Global Positioning System (GPS) (2013) Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 840 units of new Global Positioning System devices for the Philippine Army to improve navigation and movement of small units.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php25,200,000.00.

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including what which contractor won the tender, and what product has been offered and delivered. But DND documents confirm that the project cost was Php20,592,264.00, or Php4.6 million lower than the project ABC.

It can be noted that aside from the Garmin GPSMAP 60CS that were delivered earlier, there were sightings of other Garmin GPS products used by the Philippine Army and displayed during open houses.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of December 2013.

The Garmin GPSMAP 62s, which is a newer version of the GPSMAP 60CS delivered to the Philippine Army years before. We believe this is what the Philippine Army procured in this project. 

Project Summary:

Global Positioning System (GPS) (2013) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 840 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php25,200,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC, believed to be Garmin Corporation

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC, believed to be Garmin GPSMAP 62S

* Contract Price: Php20,592,264.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php4,607,736.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of December 2013. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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35. Portable Radio Receiver Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 348 units of new Portable Radio Receivers  for the Philippine Army.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php52,500,000.00.

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including what which contractor won the tender, and what product has been offered and delivered. But DND documents confirm that the project cost was Php52,499,600.00.

It is believed that it could be a Man-Portable or Vehicle-Mounted Military radio that can be procured through civilian resellers like Motorola. Back in 2013-2014, a Motorola URC-200 (pictured below) has around the same price as the contract value of this project, and can be procured from private resellers in the Philippines.

It would be noted that the Philippine Army operates other base/manpack radios aside from the Harris Falcon II and Falcon III models.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of July 2014.

A Motorola URC-200 (V2) military line of sight radio receiver. Photo credits to General Dynamics.

Project Summary:

Portable Radio Receiver Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 348 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php52,500,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php52,499,600.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php400.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of July 2014. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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36. Audio Video System Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 1 lot of new Audio Video Systems for use by the Philippine Army.

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including which specific unit of the Philippine Army will receive the equipment, as well as what would compose the audio video systems. We assume that it would probably include televisions or monitors, audio systems, and supporting equipment.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php11,700,000.00.

No information is also available on who won the tender, and what product they supplied, although we know that the contract price was worth Php11,500,000.00 based on DND reports, and that the project was said to have been completed as of November 2014.


Project Summary:

Audio Video System Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 1 lot

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php11,700,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php11,500,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php200,000.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of November 2014. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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54. CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) Communications Radio Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 1 lot of new Communication Radios for use by the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary units

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including the specific products being procured. Based on what the CAFGU currently have, it is believed that this project focused on acquiring civilian-type handheld and base radios.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php51,000,000.00.

No information is also available on who won the tender, and what product they supplied, although we know that the contract price was worth Php50,777,778.00 based on DND reports, and that the project was said to have been completed as of December 2015.

The Philippine Army currently use different civilian handheld and mobile/base radios from Motorola and other brands. It is believed the CAFGU could have been issued the same communications radios. Photo credits to original sources.

Project Summary:

CAA Communications Radio Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 1 lot

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php51,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php50,777,778.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php222,222.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of December 2015. PROJECT COMPLETED.


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First edit and release: 18 March 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource