Dateline Kamuning:   Defense Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. and United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a ‘productive’ and ‘meaningful’ meeting during the latter’s official visit at the Department of National Defense on Thursday. “The visit of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III here in the Philippines signifies a strong bond and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States, particularly in the areas of humanitarian assistance, economic development, and peace and security among others,” said Galvez. Accelerating implementation of EDCA The Defense Chiefs reiterated the commitment of the Philippines and the US to collaborate and accelerate the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). They announced the agreement to designate four (4) new Agreed Locations under EDCA in strategic areas of the country. According to Austin, the meeting included discussions on how Philippine and US forces can operate toget...