The promise of the blue economy

From the Sulu archipelago to the West Philippine Sea, the promise of the blue economy runs deep, as deep as the blue waters that glisten under the Philippine sun.

For Professor Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, the Philippines needs a new paradigm shift – one that embraces the blue economy while prioritizing sustainable development.

This is especially critical amid the controversies surrounding the West Philippine Sea.

The blue economy, according to Oxford, refers to an economic system or sector that seeks to conserve marine and freshwater environments while using them in a sustainable way to develop economic growth and produce resources such as energy and food.

“For communities whose livelihoods are inextricably linked to the sea, traditional economic models often fall short, leaving them underserved by national funding allocations,” Prof. Batongbacal said at the “Embracing the Currents: An International Conference on the Sulu Archipelago,” held late last year at the Mindanao State University in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

An oceanic university

Fortunately, Prof. Batongbacal said, UP is doing its share in addressing this need through its plan to establish the so-called Archipelagic and Oceanic Virtual University (AOVU).

UP president Angelo Jimenez introduced the AOVU last year, which is poised to reshape how the nation manages its marine resources.

“The AOVU represents a significant shift in approach, recognizing that the archipelago’s future lies in its waters. This will strengthen and empower the Philippines to take possession of its territory and utilize its sovereign rights over its resources. It will also help operationalize the Blue Economy Act once it is passed,” Prof. Batongbacal said.

I agree with UP’s initiative. The AOVU is one of the university’s flagship programs under president Jimenez.

Essentially, AOVU will serve as a centralized hub for graduate degree programs and research initiatives focused on maritime studies.

The virtual university will initially offer four master’s degree programs: Archipelagic Blue Economics and Engineering, Economic Security and Integrity, Archipelagic and Oceanic Environment and Archipelagic Social Studies.

There will also be new programs and initiatives introduced along the way.

In all, UP said, the AOVU would provide continuing professional education in national security, environmental management and maritime diplomacy.

The initiative also aims to correct the historical imbalance that has favored land-based development, finally giving the sea its due attention, Prof. Batongbacal added.

“One of its goals is to cultivate a strong pool of experts and talent who are part of a national, regional and global network, driving planning, implementation, academic research and innovation programs.”

For sure, these efforts will help us address the unique challenges that we face.

Embracing the blue economy

By embracing the blue economy and prioritizing sustainable development, the AOVU aims to empower communities, strengthen governance and unlock the vast potential of the archipelago’s marine resources.

“As the Philippines navigates the complex challenges of the 21st century, the AOVU stands as a beacon of innovation and a testament to the transformative power of education,” Prof. Batongbacal said.

I laud UP and its leadership for initiatives like this which, hopefully, will educate and empower Filipinos and the succeeding generations in dealing with the challenges of managing our marine resources.

I hope that despite cutbacks in education funding in the General Appropriations Act, this initiative can continue.

Another educational initiative, the Center for West Philippine Sea Studies, is pending in Congress along with the proposed National West Philippine Sea Day. The bill creating the Center for West Philippine Sea Studies aims to create a think tank on how the Philippines can better defend and support its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

National Day Reception

Government officials, tycoons, businessmen and diplomats gathered at the glittering Grand Ballroom of Grand Hyatt Manila on Thursday night for the annual National Day of Japan to celebrate the 65th birthday of His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan.

Ambassador Endo Kazuya led the celebration, his first National Day Reception in the Philippines, and his first as ambassador, while Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Hellen de la Vega graced the event and led the toast.

Other distinguished guests included Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Speaker of the House of Representatives Martin Romualdez, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, Ambassador to the US Jose “Babe” Romualdez, GSIS president and GM Wick Veloso, tycoon Alfred Ty and his wife Cherry and PAL president Capt. Stanley Ng.

Golden age

In his speech, Ambassador Endo said that in recent years, Japan-Philippines relations have entered what is known as the “Golden Age,” sustained by friendship and shared values.

“Since my arrival in March last year, I have witnessed how we have further deepened our wide range of exchanges and cooperation.

“The historic first Japan-Philippines-US Summit was held shortly after my arrival. In the field of security, the second Japan-Philippines Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting was held in July and the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement was then signed. The esteemed Senate of the Philippines went on to concur in the agreement’s ratification last December,” he said.
There are many other reasons to celebrate, he added, including strong economic, retail and cultural ties.

It was indeed a lovely evening filled with sumptuous food and sake and more than enough stories shared among guests throughout the night.

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Email: eyesgonzales@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @eyesgonzales. Column archives at EyesWideOpen on FB.