A turning point for the Philippines

This year has been extra challenging for the Philippines. Coming on the heels of the flood control scandal, and with the continuing encroachments in the West Philippine Sea, the impeachment trial of the Vice President complicating the political landscape, and struggles in the economy and prices of goods owing to both global and local developments, the country indeed stands at a turning point.

While these and other concerns may on the surface appear disparate, issues of sovereignty, inclusive progress, and democratic resilience are in fact interconnected foundations of national development. They do not stand in isolation. Instead, they affect each other at various points and on various levels.

For example, sovereignty must be protected through credible capabilities and principled diplomacy. The West Philippine Sea concerns not just territorial rights but also the livelihoods of fisherfolk, access to marine and energy resources, and the security of trade routes. The 2016 arbitral award remains a legal foundation that must be backed by national unity and stronger maritime capabilities.

In thinking about how to put food on the table and imagine a better life for Filipino families, the government is aware that economic security is national security. The Philippines must pursue investment-led, innovation-driven, and job-generating growth. Reliable and affordable energy, stronger infrastructure, manufacturing, digital services, and regional connectivity are essential to creating opportunities for ordinary Filipinos.

Of course, these will not be possible without help from partners—not just any partners but trusted, strategic, and genuine ones that share our values and commitments. Cooperation with like-minded partners, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea, strengthens regional security and economic resilience. Initiatives such as the Luzon Economic Corridor and Pax Silica can help develop Philippine industries, attract investments, generate jobs, and strengthen critical supply chains.

With regard to the way our officials are running the government, we maintain that corruption, disinformation, and weak institutions undermine public trust, discourage investment, and weaken national security. Indeed, democratic resilience and good governance underpin lasting progress. Transparent governance, accountability, the rule of law, and meaningful citizen participation are essential.

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These are the central points for discussion in The Stratbase Institute’s 11th Pilipinas Conference, happening on Nov. 20 in Makati City. Aptly enough, this year’s theme will be “Navigating the Path Ahead: Strategic Partnerships for Philippine Resilience and Prosperity.”

We will convene government officials, ambassadors, business leaders, security experts, academe, and civil society to discuss investment, the Philippine Sea, and the common seas, and their implications for the country’s future.

It is also in this spirit and on the same occasion that I will launch my book, “Turning Point: Stewarding Sovereignty, Sustaining Inclusive Progress, and Strengthening Democracy,” which contains my think pieces on the most pressing issues that confront our country today. The essays examine how these three priorities (sovereignty, progress, and democracy) are interconnected and must advance together to secure the country’s future.

Both these events seek to advance this conversation and bring together leaders and stakeholders around a shared vision for the country’s future.

Today is a crucial point in our nation’s history and our future. The choices we make today will shape our security, prosperity, and democracy for generations. More than ever, we need conversations that spill into concrete action so that we can build our nation by involving the whole of society. By this, I mean that the government, business, civil society, media, academe, young people, and international partners all have a role in strengthening the country’s institutions, protecting democratic values, and advancing shared prosperity.

Since our establishment more than two decades ago, the Stratbase Institute has always sought to contribute to nation-building through independent analysis and constructive dialogue. The Institute has worked to bring diverse stakeholders together, ground public discourse in evidence, and advance policy solutions guided by the national interest.

Through the Pilipinas Conference and Turning Point, we hope to encourage the strategic clarity and collective resolve needed to build a sovereign, inclusive, and resilient Philippines. We all have a stake in our nation’s future, and we should ensure that we engage in meaningful conversations that drive real progress and make a real difference.

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Dindo Manhit is the founder and CEO of Stratbase Group.