The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) hosted the Survey Team for the Data Collection Survey on the Promotion of the Blue Economy in the Philippines to discuss ongoing initiatives and explore areas for potential collaboration. The Survey, being implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to guide future cooperation programs between the Philippines and Japan in support of the Blue Economy agenda.
The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development, who reaffirmed the Council’s strong commitment to the sustainable management of ocean and marine resources. Dr. Batalon highlighted the importance of the Survey in shaping strategic directions for the country’s Blue Economy development.
Dr. Masanori Doi, leading the JICA Survey Team, noted that the initiative seeks to generate a clear understanding of existing challenges and opportunities across key Blue Economy sectors, including the fisheries, transportation, and finance.
During the meeting, Dr. Doi presented the Survey’s objectives, which include assessing the current state of the Blue Economy in the Philippines and identifying potential cooperation areas based on country trends and relevant Japanese initiatives. He underscored three key enablers of sustainable Blue Economy development: co-benefit approaches, trade-offs optimization, and strong stakeholder and community collaboration.
The Council presented its ongoing Industry Strategic S&T Programs (ISPs), which cover major aquaculture commodities, genomics research, marine resource initiatives, and capacity building on Ecosystems Approach for Fisheries Management (EAFM). DOST-PCAARRD also highlighted major investments, including the Seaweed Research and Development Center (SeaRDeC) and aquaculture-linked startups supported through the Startup Grant Fund Program.
Potential areas of collaboration were also discussed, particularly project concepts in capture fisheries, aquaculture, and postharvest systems. These include strengthening fisheries enforcement, supporting seaweed culture and genetic improvement, promoting mariculture, revitalizing aquaculture ponds, enhancing seed production systems, and improving value chains in municipal fishing ports and Community Fish Landing Centers (CFLCs).
The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation. Both DOST-PCAARRD and JICA expressed optimism that stronger partnership will foster innovation, enhance resource stewardship, and further advance the sustainable growth and development of the country’s Blue Economy agenda.