Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo has called for more effective partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region to ensure that oceans remain zones of peace and prosperity.
At the recently-concluded Second World Ocean Summit in Singapore, Manalo said this must be done for the benefit of present and future generations.
In a video message, the foreign affairs chief cited President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s priorities in achieving a stable and secure future for his constituents.
Manalo said Marcos and his administration would make it happen by ensuring food and energy security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, regional and global peace—which he said are all linked to the maritime space.
He then outlined the government's efforts to protect the environment and the marine ecosystem as well as govern and sustain the development of the ocean.
Manalo took pride in the country's efforts in fighting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; making innovations on sustainable aquaculture; enhancing maritime transport; adoption of a National Plan of Action for the prevention, reduction, and management of Marine Litter to achieve "zero waste in Philippine waters by 2040"; and the recent passing of a legislation introducing extended producer responsibility on plastic packaging waste.