Makati city: The head of the National Security Council (NSC) underscored the importance of securing critical maritime infrastructure and systems to enhance the country's resiliency. National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban Jr. emphasized that protecting these facilities is a fundamental pillar of national resilience and maritime security.
According to Philippines News Agency, Oban highlighted the significance of securing systems that support daily national functions, including fisheries, ports, shipping routes, energy infrastructure, communications networks, and coastal communities. He made these remarks during the final day of the 3rd Balangay Forum in Makati City, part of the Maritime Archipelagic Awareness Nation Month (MANA Mo) celebrations.
Oban stressed that understanding the vulnerabilities of maritime systems such as ports, shipping corridors, ferry routes, undersea cables, offshore energy facilities, fisheries production areas, and logistics networks is crucial for national resilience. He urged the government to continue identifying critical maritime infrastructure, assessing system dependencies, preparing alternative routes, and strengthening recovery arrangements before disruptions occur. He noted that resilience is built before emergencies begin.
These measures are particularly important as the Philippines faces ongoing challenges in the West Philippine Sea through coercive actions and persistent attacks on its lawful maritime rights. Oban also pointed out the threats posed by climate change, maritime crimes, and disinformation targeting public trust, which have increased the vulnerability of critical infrastructure beneath the seas.
To address these issues, Oban stated that the government is strengthening its maritime foundations through legislative measures like the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. These laws clarify maritime jurisdiction, reinforce obligations under international law, and provide greater certainty in exercising sovereign rights and responsibilities as an archipelagic state. They also support the long-term maritime strategy, transportation, commerce, tourism, and opportunities for innovation.
Oban emphasized that the Philippines cannot pursue maritime security in isolation, given its direct connections to Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. He noted that shared challenges across borders require practical cooperation among coastal states.
With the Philippines chairing this year's ASEAN Summit, Oban sees an opportunity for the country to contribute to shaping a more secure and resilient maritime region. He stated that ASEAN's maritime agenda should increasingly focus on cooperation that enhances awareness, preparedness, resilience, and trust among maritime nations. Practical cooperation, according to Oban, strengthens stability by addressing shared challenges before they escalate into crises.
