Constant challenges to a maritime nation
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) BRP Cape San Agustin forced a China Coast Guard vessel (CCG-3303) to back off from within our exclusive economic zone. Two other Chinese ships continued their unlawful patrols nearby.
This incident reminds us that challenges to our sovereignty aren’t abstract policy issues; they’re daily realities faced on the frontlines of the West Philippine Sea.
Such is the challenge of being a maritime nation.
During the November 2024 signing of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, President Marcos stressed that the country’s maritime identity is an “intrinsic and undeniable part” of the Filipino character.
In July, Malacañang issued Memorandum Circular No. 87, directing all agencies to promote the Philippines as an archipelagic and maritime nation, a stance that recognizes how deeply our national security and livelihood depend on healthy and secure seas.
The Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept stems from this recognition. In his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Mr. Marcos underscored the scale of our marine domain.
“As the world’s second-largest archipelagic nation, we have more sea than land … and the fourth longest national coastline,” he said, noting that the CADC aims to strengthen our capacity to protect our waters and resources in an increasingly challenged region.
The West Philippine Sea is vital to our fisheries. In 2024, it accounted for about 11 percent of marine catch and supported roughly 300,000 fishers, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. These numbers reflect not only economic value but also food security for millions of Filipinos.
At a recent Stratbase Institute forum, Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres Centino highlighted the country’s globally significant biodiversity and a maritime domain seven times larger than its land area.
He pointed out that illegal fishing, narcotics and contraband trade, environmental degradation, and climate impacts, along with coercive acts by external actors, undermine our sovereign rights and ability to manage these waters for present and future generations.
So who leads the charge in defending our maritime rights?
A Pulse Asia survey showed that 73 percent of Filipinos believe the government must protect our territory, marine resources, and the rights of fishing communities in the West Philippine Sea. Public support remains one of the strongest anchors for a sustained national strategy.
But the responsibility isn’t the government’s alone. The private sector, civil society, citizens, and international partners must also take part if the country is to respond effectively to persistent maritime pressures.
PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan said the PCG works with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and other agencies, but stressed that international partnerships remain essential.
“The Philippines cannot stand on its own,” he said. “Addressing maritime security threats requires cooperation with our neighbors, peers, and partners.”
Regina Burns MacKenzie of the United States Embassy said: “Secure seas make nations stronger, communities more resilient, and the Indo-Pacific safer and more prosperous for all.”
Australia’s Ambassador, Marc Innes-Brown, reaffirmed that maritime security and territorial defense remain key pillars of Australia’s cooperation with the Philippines, particularly in strengthening the capabilities of the AFP.
New Zealand’s Ambassador, Catherine McIntosh, underscored support for evidence-based, inclusive, and interoperable maritime governance grounded in the rules-based international order.
Vietnam’s Ambassador, Lai Thai Binh, expressed shared concerns over rising South China Sea tensions and stressed the importance of peaceful relations in accordance with international law.
Empowering fisherfolk is central to protecting our maritime domain. We should support initiatives that strengthen marine resource protection in both the West and East Philippine Seas by improving data collection and analysis and fostering cooperation among government, communities, and civil society. These initiatives ensure that local knowledge and national priorities work hand in hand.
Our understanding of our maritime domain must be seen through the lens of naval deterrence and satellite surveillance, as well as from the daily realities of those who live closest to the water. Collaborating with international partners and across different sectors will help make us a stronger, more capable maritime nation—one prepared to safeguard our rights and secure our future.
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Dindo Manhit is the CEO and managing director of Stratbase Group.
