Establishing the Role, Functions and Importance of Program Managers and Program Management Teams in the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program Acquisition Process

This research identifies the Acquisition Process of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, particularly the role, functions and importance of Program Managers (PM) and Program Management Teams (PMT) in the overall process. The Modernization Program, including acquisition processes for new systems, is a new experience to the AFP. Apparently, the organization intends to optimize the acquisition process for new systems by ensuring an effective and accountable organization structure that would sustain AFP modernization efforts and capabilities. Presently, PMs and PMTs in the structure are temporary and have no concrete role delineation in the acquisition process. Their function and responsibilities are limited to AFP Major Service requirement generation process only. Likewise, this research will introduce the US DoD acquisition system and illustrate DoD PMs and IPTs role and functions in the defense programs. The paper will show the importance of the PM and IPTs to the overall life cycle of any system. By comparative analysis, the research will reveal limitations in the AFP approach. The US Acquisition model, relative to PMs and PMTs, will be useful for improving the AFP process, after all, US has proven itself successful in acquisition projects.