Recognizing the rising significance of the West Philippine Sea in our nation’s growth and stability, Professor Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, opines that a “ new paradigm is needed, one that embraces the "blue economy" while prioritizing sustainable development.”
“For communities whose livelihoods are inextricably linked to the sea, traditional economic models often fall short, leaving them under-served by national funding allocations”, Batongbacal told at the event, Embracing the Currents: An International Conference on the Sulu Archipelago held recently at the Mindanao State University (MSU) Tawi-Tawi campus in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Blue Economy is an economic system or sector that seeks to conserve marine and freshwater environments while using them in a sustainable way to develop economic growth and produce resources such as energy and food.
AOVU: A Beacon of maritime innovation
Fortunately, Batongbacal mentions that the University of the Philippines (UP) is stepping up to address this need with the ambitious Archipelagic and Oceanic Virtual University (AOVU), a groundbreaking initiative poised to reshape how the nation manages its marine resources.
AOVU will initially offer four master's degree programs: Archipelagic Blue Economics and Engineering, Economic Security and Integrity, Archipelagic and Oceanic Environment, and Archipelagic Social Studies.
These programs reflect a transdisciplinary approach, integrating diverse fields of study to provide a holistic understanding of the complex issues facing the archipelago. It will embrace a decentralized, personalized, and self-paced learning model.
The AOVU represents a significant shift in approach, recognizing that the archipelago's future lies in its waters.
This will strengthen and empower the Philippines to take possession of its territory and utilize its sovereign rights over its resources.
This will also help operationalize the Blue Economy Act once it is passed.
“The need for us to address how we're going to manage and benefit from the blue economy and at the same time achieve the requirements of sustainable development. So the goals are a little bit more specific here. We want to start with graduate and post-graduate programs and professional or continuing education training programs”, he pointed out.
Batongbakal stressed that the university is committed to transforming how the Philippines interacts with its maritime environment.
This initiative seeks to correct the historical imbalance that has favored land-based development, finally giving the sea its due attention.
One of its goals is to cultivate a strong pool of experts and talents who are part of a national, regional, and global network, driving planning, implementation, academic research, and innovation programs.
This network,” he said, “ will be further strengthened by establishing offshore research centers in the West Philippine Sea, the Pacific Seaboard, and the Sulu-Celebes Sea, directly addressing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these crucial marine areas“.
BARMM's Blue horizon
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Regional Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim stated discussion on economic frameworks is a call to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for the Bangsamoro.
“The blue economy offers us a chance to create a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly autonomous regional economy by developing industries like sustainable fisheries, agriculture, renewable energy, and ecotourism, we can provide jobs, food security, and growth while protecting our natural resources,” Ebrahim said.
He added, “This approach also promotes equitable development by placing farmers, fishermen, and small business owners at the forefront of decision-making, combining traditional knowledge with modern sustainability practices.”
“BARMM’s potential for renewable energy—solar, wind, and hydropower—can further drive local development, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,” the Chief Minister further stressed.
Bangsamoro region covers area of Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, Moro Gulf and the Illana Bay.
UN-Habitat Country Program Manager Edwine Carrie during last years Blue economy congress in Davao City said, “Your expertise as city, municipal, provincial, and regional planners in special planning land use, and infrastructure development is vital to integrate local value chain with ecologically sound and sustainable practices by hitting the adoption of blue and green approaches,” UN-habitat added.
BARMM Planning and Develo
Drone shots of Bongao Island in Tawi-Tawi
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