FSI and UP-CIDS Roundtable Discussion Highlights Blue Economic Opportunities
MANILA 12 December 2024 - The Foreign Service Institute (FSI), in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS) Strategic Studies Program, held a roundtable discussion titled "Navigating Blue Economic Opportunities in the Philippine Maritime Transportation, Fisheries, Tourism, and Education Sectors" on 3 December 2024 at Citadines Bay City Manila, Pasay City. This is the fourth and last in a series of roundtable discussions co-hosted by the FSI and UP-CIDS this year.
The discussion focused on the emerging opportunities and challenges facing key sectors of the blue economy, particularly in maritime transportation, fisheries, and education. These sectors are critical to the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to integrate green, blue, and circular development models and sustainability frameworks into national policy. Industry leaders and experts shared their insights and provided recommendations for overcoming the barriers facing these sectors.
Mr. Gerardo Borromeo, Chief Executive Officer of Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) Holdings stressed that the Philippines must focus on preparing the future workforce and assess if our governance systems are equipped to meet the demands of an evolving maritime landscape. He further stressed the importance of prioritizing, not just STEM but STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) -based education, whole-of-government approach, and a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility in achieving a resilient maritime industry.
Mr. Luisito U. Delos Santos, Director of Planning and Policy Service, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) discussed the current maritime initiatives and activities of MARINA which involve overseas shipping, shipbuilding and repair, domestic shipping, and maritime workforce. He also stressed that MARINA is pushing for the passage of legislation related to the development of the shipbuilding industry in the Philippines.
Ms. Jan Krianne Pineda, Corporate Partnerships Liaison for the Philippine Tuna Handline Partnership (PTHP), a coalition of small-scale tuna handline fishers and processors, shared the group's role in supporting small-scale tuna fishers and processors. PTHP helps these fishers sell their products in both local and international markets. She also highlighted the importance of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification, which recognizes sustainable fishing practices and encourages continuous improvement. PTHP is proud to be the first and only fishery group in the Philippines to earn the MSC certification for sustainability.
Capt. Lino Paterno Paderanga, Vice President for Professional Development of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies emphasized AIMS’ commitment to uphold excellent Philippine maritime education. He mentioned certain challenges in the maritime education sector, including skills mismatch, access to maritime technology, regulatory compliance, underemployment, and the high cost of education. To address these, AIMS is working closely with partner agencies, both domestic and international, to develop and improve maritime curricula, bridge technological gaps, and expand employment scopes. AIMS also provides scholarships to reduce financial barriers.
This roundtable discussion serves as an important step in advancing the Philippines’ blue economy agenda, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s maritime industries.
Participants of the discussion were from the FSI, UP-CIDS, DFA, Senate of the Philippines, other government agencies, and members of the academe. END
