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| (L-R) Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres C Centino, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., Foundation for the National Interest Chairman VADM Jose Luis Alano (ret.), and Deputy Head of Mission of Australia to the Philippines Dr. Moya Collett opened the Inaugural Balangay Forum: Safeguarding Philippine Maritime Interests, held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on September 30, 2024. (Contributed photo) |
by: Jerome Paunan
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The inaugural Balangay Forum, themed “Safeguarding Philippine Maritime Interests,” was held at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday, culminating this year’s Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo). The event was organized by the Department of National Defense (DND) in collaboration with the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, the Foundation for the National Interest, and the Waypoints Project.
The forum was opened by key officials including Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., and Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres C. Centino.
Also present were Foundation for the National Interest Chairman VADM Jose Luis Alano (ret.) and Dr. Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission of Australia to the Philippines.
In his keynote address, Secretary Teodoro emphasized the need for a robust commitment from the country’s leadership to protect Philippine maritime interests in accordance with international law.
“The political leadership will is already there… we will protect our maritime interests in accordance with international law,” he said, referring to the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept developed by the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Balangay Forum featured three panel discussions addressing critical themes: the protection of the Philippines’ maritime domain, the role of science and technology in enhancing maritime security, and the potential of the nation’s blue economy.
These discussions aimed to explore strategies for sustainable development and security amid pressing issues facing the maritime sector.
Teodoro underscored the significance of collective efforts in safeguarding the nation’s maritime rights, warning against short-term financial temptations that could undermine long-term benefits.
“We should also make a call to action to our local officials… to avoid being swayed by spurious offers that could allow international criminal syndicates a foothold in this country,” he cautioned.
The forum was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, academia, civil service organizations, and key government officials, bringing together policymakers and experts in international law and maritime security.
Proclamation No. 316, s. 2017, designates September as Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month, consolidating various maritime-related events to enhance awareness and appreciation of the Philippines’ maritime identity. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
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