Organized by the Foundation for the National Interest, together with the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, with the support of The Asia Foundation and Amador Research Services, the fifth installment of the "Kwentong Mandaragat" webinar series was held on January 28, 2021. The fifth webinar discussed the concept of the blue economy. The discussants of the webinar featured Mr. Jay Benson, Project Manager of the Stable Seas Program, Atty. Brenda Pimentel of the International Maritime Organization, Dr. Rhodora Azanza of the UP Marine Science Institute, and Agriculture Ministry Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero. The webinar explored the present initiatives of the Philippine government in sustaining a blue economy and how policies, policymakers, and implementors engage coastal communities that benefit the most from the livelihoods of the blue economy. The webinar also stressed on the importance of the nexus that bridges science and policy in advancing the blue economy agenda. Discussions have also stressed on the importance of engaging all the sectors of society spreading awareness that the Philippines, consisting of more than 7,000 islands, is a maritime country - and that ultimately, the policies, agendas, priorities, and concerns must reflect this.
The event was attended by individuals from the academe, government, and private sectors, nationwide.
Screenshots of the event found below.