DFA-MOAO Stresses Importance of Updating Philippine Framework on Marine Scientific Research

PASAY CITY 22 June 2022 – DFA Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Maria Angela A. Ponce highlighted the government’s efforts in ensuring that the framework for marine scientific research (MSR) in the Philippines addresses the country’s scientific and research concerns on 17 June 2022.

Participating in a Track 1.5 Dialogue on “MSR: Comparing and Reviewing Approval Process and Framework” organized by the Foundation for the National Interest, Assistant Secretary Ponce discussed the legal and policy framework, current conditions and procedures for MSR, and the proposed improvements in the Philippines’ MSR framework. She stressed that the Philippines’ framework is based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The forum, which was moderated by Prof. Herman Kraft of the University of the Philippines (UP), also had as reactors Prof. Jay L. Batongbacal of UP IMLOS, Dr. Fernando P. Siringan of the National Academy of Science and Technology, and Atty. Fretti Ganchoon of the Department of Justice. They agreed on the importance of ensuring full participation and collaboration of Filipino scientists in MSR activities conducted by foreign states and entities in Philippine waters and maritime jurisdictions.

The forum was co-organized by the UP Marine Science Institute, US Embassy in Manila, and the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation. It was attended by more than 100 participants from all over the Philippines. END