26 January 2016 - The Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) successfully hosted the 108th Maritime Breakfast Forum (MBF) on January 15. The said forum, organized by the Maritime League, was held at CMOAS Conference Room in DFA Building, Pasay City.
DFA Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia opened the forum by expressing his appreciation for the Maritime League’s support for the government’s efforts to seek a rules-based management and resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS.
Undersecretary Garcia also emphasized the need for the country to develop a minimum credible defense posture. Former National Security Adviser Roilo Golez briefly discussed security developments in the West Philippine Sea, while MOAO Assistant Secretary Benito B. Valeriano provided an update on the arbitration case filed by the Philippines against China.
MOAO Executive Director Leo Tito Ausan, Jr. briefed the body on the Philippine-Indonesia maritime boundary delimitation agreement. Mr. Edward Antonio and Mr. Linus Tiu of PROPMECH, on the other hand, delivered a presentation on current issues concerning the domestic shipbuilding industry in the Philippines. The forum was chaired by Maritime League President Commoder Carlos L. Agustin, AFP (Ret.).
The MBF brings together representatives from various government agencies such as the DFA, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and Philippine Navy (PN); the shipping industry; and the maritime community to discuss matters that affect the country’s maritime interests and affect the maritime industry. The DFA, through MOAO, usually hosts the first of ten MBF meetings that are held every year. END