In line with the celebration of Rare Disease Week and the 7th year celebration of the signing of the Rare Disease Act of 2016, the Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with PSOD and UHCWatch, organized another dialogue entitled, “Sustaining Gains and Balancing Priorities: Implementation of Rare Disease Act for 2023”, to continue the discussion on plans that will benefit the RD patients.

The discussion aimed to provide a venue for key decision makers and stakeholders to continue the previous discussions that will further institutionalize the government’s support to rare disease patients, which is aligned with the implementation of the Rare Disease Law and in accordance with the achievement of the objectives of the IRDMSP 2022-2026.

Last month’s official visit of President Marcos Jr. to Japan affirmed our two countries’ closeness and like-mindedness. We have a common vision and goal: A strong, resilient Indo-Pacific region where the rule of law prevails, and where rogue, aggressive, and irrational acts have no place.

The current geopolitical situation in our part of the world is complex and precarious. Every day, there are developments that make us a little bit more uneasy. In February, a Chinese vessel pointed a military-grade laser at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). And then, just this weekend, PCG personnel stationed in Pag-asa Island — the largest in the Kalayaan Group of Islands — reported more than 40 Chinese vessels anchored within 4.5 miles to eight miles from the island shores, clearly within Pag-asa’s 12-nautical mile territorial sea.

The Stratbase ADR Institute, together with with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Philippines, believes it is critical to discuss and analyze the threat of gray zone operations and their implications for the current regional security landscape, as well as potential countermeasures.

The event sought to bring together government officials, the diplomatic community, scholars, and policy experts in an in-person discussion to engage in dialogue and share recommendations on the threats and uncertainty of gray zone operations to Philippine national security.

With more security challenges on the horizon, the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan remains strong, based on cooperation in achieving Indo-Pacific peace and stability. While both countries deal with their own maritime issues, Japan has consistently backed the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral victory in the West Philippine Sea. In addition, with the Philippines’ strong alliance with the United States and partnership with Japan, a trilateral security cooperation among them is proposed in the form of joint military exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster response cooperation. This further strengthens cooperation among states amid the region’s complex security environment.

Through this event, the Institute seeks to provide a platform for experts and scholars to share their assessments and recommendations on the Philippines’ independent foreign policy under the Marcos Jr. administration as well as the country’s diplomatic ties with Japan and the United States.

All our efforts to achieve economic growth and create wealth will amount to nothing if we leave behind depleted resources and a damaged environment for future generations.

In fact, we are already feeling the effects of this: climate change is taking its toll on the world’s most vulnerable countries, and, within those countries, the most vulnerable communities. In terms of plastic pollution, the Philippines is the third-largest contributor to plastic waste worldwide.

The worsening impacts of global warming, climate change, and pollution exposed the inefficiencies and inadequacies in Philippine waste management systems. Inaction towards developing and integrating sustainable and strategic waste management frameworks and mechanisms — particularly in the circular economy — warrants, long-term socio-economic, public health, and environmental losses.

This event gathered key stakeholders from diverse sectors who will discuss the national government’s circular economy agenda, the private sector’s circular business model initiatives that can be adopted at scale, and consumer responsibilities in effective waste management. This event also aims to contribute to the growing discussions regarding sustainability and to present feasible solutions in waste management in the country now and moving forward.

We are certain that Malacañang had good intentions when it issued Executive Order (EO) 12 last month. The order details the tax breaks that will be enjoyed by imported electric vehicles (EV) for five full years beginning this year. It is congruent to the administration’s role in leading the people to adopt environment-friendly lifestyles.

There is a need for the Philippines to capitalize on the rise of regional infrastructure initiatives, such as the B3W and BRI, to address existing gaps and further develop its infrastructure sector while safeguarding itself from potential security risks. Participation in these global infrastructure projects requires proper examination of their risks, benefits, and impact on the current geopolitical dimension of the Indo-Pacific.

Through this event, the Institute seeks to provide a platform for experts and scholars to share their assessments and recommendations on the current infrastructure landscape in the Philippines and how the country can maximize opportunities through engagements with key allies and partners.