Maritime cooperation activities this year, particularly joint drills with allied and partner nations, have significantly strengthened the country’s ability to protect its waters and uphold international law, according to Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez.
Martinez told Manila Standard that the Navy’s bilateral and multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities (MCAs) with the United States and other like-minded partners such as Japan, Australia, Canada, and France were “highly significant and strategically beneficial,” noting that many of these activities were conducted within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea.
“They helped establish limited credible deterrence, enhanced regional confidence through the regular presence of allied navies, and reinforced the Philippines’ firm commitment to freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order.” Martinez said.
She added that the activities also promoted United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) adherence, demonstrating the Philippine’s resolve to uphold its rights under international law, particularly its EEZ.
Operationally, Martinez said the joint activities improved interoperability, multinational maritime coordination, and maritime domain awareness, while expanding training opportunities for Filipino sailors. Beyond operations, she noted that the MCAs also strengthened strategic communications and sovereignty messaging by clearly conveying the Philippines’ position on maritime rights under international law.
The Navy spokesperson also highlighted that the exercises provided Philippine Navy leaders and ship captains with first-hand experience in working with — and in some cases leading — multinational naval forces.
“This underscores that, as a maritime nation even with limited resources, the Philippines is capable of exercising leadership and operate alongside with some of the world’s most capable navies,” she said.
According to Martinez, these engagements ultimately support the protection of key national interests, including the blue economy, food security, maritime trade and commerce, and freedom of navigation within the country’s territorial sea, archipelagic waters, and EEZ. She said the gains directly advance the Navy’s vision of becoming a modern, multi-domain, and self-reliant force.
Looking ahead, Martinez assured the public that the Philippine Navy will remain “steadfast, professional, and proactive” in securing the country’s maritime domain despite evolving challenges.
Guided by the Philippine Navy Strategic Sail Plan 2040, she said modernization efforts will continue through the acquisition of modern platforms and capabilities, as well as investments in training and capacity enhancement.
“The Philippine Navy stands resolute in its duty to defend the Nation’s sovereignty, secure our maritime domain, and serve the Filipino people today and in the years to come.” Martinez said.
