Rising to the challenge in 2025 and beyond

Among the many things that 2024 has shown us, it is that national and economic security cannot be separated from each other. No less than President Marcos said: “Economic security is national security.”

When people are able to provide for their basic needs in the foreseeable future and when citizens know they can have access to health, education, and essential services, there is economic security. And when the state is able to protect its citizens, territories, and institutions from harm and outside interference, there is national security.

These two ideals are so deeply inextricable from each other that inability to obtain basic needs could endanger people’s safety and the stability of society. Indeed, a resilient economy, driven by stable income, job creation, and access to essential services, is fundamental to the country’s security.

Likewise, security threats will compromise people’s ability to have a stable income and plan for their future. Furthermore, in the face of climate change and energy demands, environmental and energy security are crucial to the country’s future prosperity. Ensuring access to clean energy, conserving natural resources, and protecting ecosystems will help safeguard the country’s long-term economic stability.

In 2024, the Philippines found itself in the middle of both traditional and evolving security challenges. These concerns—persistent territorial issues, gray zone operations, and hybrid warfare particularly in the West Philippine Sea—have unmasked vulnerabilities and amplified tensions. This underscores the fact that the Philippines, located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific region, is affected by geopolitical and geoeconomic developments that affect regional and global stability.

To address challenges and cope with the demands of the times, effective governance is key. Transparency, accountability, and the rule of law are its essential components. When a nation is effectively governed, and when leaders ensure that institutions are responsive to the people’s needs, it is easier to build a conducive environment for investments to come in, and for like-minded countries to enhance partnerships with us in numerous respects.

This is why the coming 2025 elections are crucial.

The people we will elect must be those who will prioritize reforms toward good governance. According to a Stratbase-commissioned survey by Pulse Asia, conducted between Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 last year, 61 percent of Filipinos believe that controlling corruption has an impact on economic growth. This shows that diligent supervision puts the people’s trust in the government and in turn, pushes them to actively contribute to the economy.

Having trustworthy leaders also improves our relationship with like-minded states. These alliances also hinge on having a transparent and well-run government. In the same survey, it was revealed that 73 percent look at the United States as the most trusted partner by Filipinos, followed by Japan at 51 percent, Australia at 48 percent, Canada at 36 percent, and the United Kingdom at 18 percent.

China is the least trusted, with a 4-percent rating.

Moreover, 51 percent of Filipinos believe that reinforcing alliances and elevating partnerships is a key driver. These evolving partnerships signal a level of confidence for key players in the region to set bilateral, minilateral, or even multilateral ties. A free and open Indo-Pacific underscores the importance of upholding international maritime law. This vision, championed by the Philippines and its allies, seeks to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

By fostering partnerships with like-minded countries, the Philippines contributes to a regional framework that supports free trade, open navigation, and conflict resolution. This collaborative approach strengthens the broader Indo-Pacific region’s resilience in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.

Partnerships are crucial in the pursuit of investors. Geopolitical shifts present the Philippines with a unique opportunity to attract foreign investors looking to diversify operations. Strengthening trade relations with like-minded countries is critical for the Philippines. By focusing on economic integration in the Indo-Pacific, the Philippines can solidify its role in the global supply chains, enhance its competitiveness, and attract investments from its most beneficial economic partners that can drive sustainable development.

There is no doubt that 2025, an election year, will be even more challenging for us Filipinos, with national and economic security being major concerns. We remain hopeful that our commitment to good governance and genuine, empowering partnerships and alliances will see us through and bring us to greater heights.

—————-

Dindo Manhit is the founder and CEO of Stratbase Group.