The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it is set to establish eight marine scientific research stations across the country, including one on Pag-asa Island, as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security and environmental conservation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga said the research stations will serve as sentinel sites for marine biodiversity protection and will contribute to national security by enhancing the country’s capacity to monitor and manage its maritime domain.

“We are establishing eight marine scientific stations in the biogeographic regions of our country,” Loyzaga said during the first all-women maritime security forum organized by the Stratbase Institute in Taguig City on Friday, March 14.

“These sentinel stations have unique research programs and will be the site of specific areas of collaboration with scientists from Philippine academe and from like-minded countries who respect the rules-based international order.”

Among the planned sites, the Tubbataha Reef Ranger Station and the Snake Island Station in Palawan will be upgraded, while a new research facility will be set up on Pag-asa Island, which lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Another station will be built in the Verde Island Passage, a critical marine biodiversity hotspot.

Strengthening maritime resilience

Loyzaga said the establishment of the marine research stations aligns with President Marcos’ national security and environmental protection policies.

“To ensure that we have the knowledge infrastructure to support our objectives, these stations will provide scientific and policy basis for risk governance and environmental security,” she said.

The DENR’s Ocean Environments Task Force, she said, is leading efforts to integrate scientific research with policy recommendations, which will eventually be incorporated into a National Ocean Environments Policy.

“We are late to the table when it comes to crafting a national policy solely dedicated to ocean environments,” she admitted.

“But we intend to make up for lost time by ensuring that the policy is risk-informed, comprehensive, and transformative.”

Women in maritime governance

The DENR chief also highlighted the role of women in marine conservation and policymaking, stressing that the DENR is committed to documenting and promoting best practices led by Filipinas in maritime governance.

“The DENR is determined to capture and document these best practices, not only to celebrate them but to inspire more women to take the lead in marine governance,” said Loyzaga.

With 220 million hectares of Philippine waters—seven times its total landmass—the DENR said securing marine ecosystems is a national security priority.

The environment department said that research stations will be developed in partnership with government agencies, local government units, the private sector, and international allies.

The timeline for the full implementation of the project has yet to be announced, but the agency said National Coral and Seagrass Maps are expected to be completed by 2026.

WPS motorcade

More than 300 participants from various sectors took part in the “West Philippine Sea Fun Bike and Motorcade Campaign” launched by the Western Command (Wescom) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Sunday, March 16.

In a statement, the Wescom said that the initiative aims to raise awareness and garner public support for the Philippines' territorial and sovereign rights in the WPS.

The motorcade kicked off at the Wescom Grandstand in Barangay San Miguel at 6 a.m. where the participants, consisting of government and non-governmental groups, gathered.

They rode through the city streets of Puerto Princesa City, traversing key locations for their route which included Barangay San Jose, New Market, Brgy. Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City Hall, Balayong People’s Park, Abanico Road, Malvar Road, Baywalk Park, Roxas Street, Manalo Street, Barangay Bancao-bancao, the old airport, Rizal Avenue, Palawan Provincial Capitol, MP Road in Brgy. San Maguel, Tactical Operations Wing West (TOWEST), and back to the Wescom Grandstand.

In a speech after the event, Vice Admiral Alfonso F. Torres Jr., commander of Wescom, emphasized the importance of the WPS advocacy in securing public understanding and support for the country’s sovereignty.

The Wescom thanked the military and civilian participants, especially motorcycle groups such as the Palawan Mountaineers Riders, Philippine Suzuki Riders Club, Palawan Street Monkeys, Security Guard Lady Guard, Palawan Freedom Riders Club, United State Riders, Tanzan, Scorpion Riders Community Club, Tamilok Riders Club, WAGAS Riders Club, RE-Action 166, Palawan Street Owl, and EVO Riders Philippines Palawan. (With a report from Martin Sadongdong)