As the international community continues to shift its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region, states have become more responsive to its changing security environment and its possible implications on their national security and strategic interests. Power shifts and the emergence of new and complex security threats have also led to significant changes in the regional order.

From a security perspective, the strategic rivalry between the United States and China is no longer the only factor shaping the contours of the Indo-Pacific. Non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic have also highlighted the relevance of multilateralism and strategic partnerships in addressing key issues in the region.

In the context of the Philippines, the region’s changing security environment provides an opportunity for the country to broaden its concept of security and build a stronger and more responsive foreign and security policy. The upcoming 2022 elections also gives the country a chance to renew its commitment to its allies and contribute to the maintenance of a rules-based international order.

In line with this, the Stratbase ADR Institute believes that it is high time to discuss and analyze the future direction of the country’s foreign and security policy vis-à-vis the emergence of various security threats in the region. As part of the Pilipinas Conference 2021, the Institute sought to provide a platform for experts and scholars to come together and share their insights and policy recommendations for the next administration. This will also be an opportunity for important stakeholders including government officials and members of the diplomatic community to discuss and analyze the importance of multilateralism and strategic partnerships in navigating an evolving Indo-Pacific.

Program

Introduction
Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit
President, Stratbase ADR Institute

Opening Remarks
Justice Antonio Carpio
Former Senior Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines

Keynote Address
Hon. Delfin Lorenzana, AFP (Ret)
Secretary, Department of National Defense (DND)

Navigating a Multipolar Indo-Pacific

Stratbase ADRi Special Study: Evolving Power Configurations in the Indo-Pacific region
Mr. Richard Heydarian
Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase ADR Institute;
Professorial Chairholder in Geopolitics, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Stratbase ADRi Special Study: Year-end assessment of the Duterte administration’s foreign policy
Dr. Renato de Castro
Trustee and Program Convenor, Stratbase ADR Institute
Professor, International Studies Department, De La Salle University

The Ongoing Disputes in the West Philippine Sea and Ways Forward
Dr. Jay Batongbacal
Director, UP Institute of Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea

Ensuring Peace and Stability through Strategic Partnerships
General Emmanuel Bautista, AFP (Ret)
Former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Non-Traditional and Evolving Security Challenges

Stratbase ADRi Special Study: The Significance of Non-traditional Security in Philippine Foreign and Security Policy
Dr. Mely Caballero-Anthony
Professor and Head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)

Beyond the Maritime Dispute: ASEAN’s Response to the Emergence of Non-Traditional Security Threats
Dr. Alma Salvador
Co-convenor of the Department of Political Science-Working Group on Security Sector Reform;
Associate Professor, Ateneo de Manila University

The Consequences of China’s Incursions on the Marine Environment
Dr. Deo Florence Onda
Associate Professor and Deputy Director for Research, UP Marine Science Institute

Stratbase ADRi Special Study: The Future of Cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific: Challenges and Opportunities
Dr. Sherwin Ona
Associate Professor of Political Science, De La Salle University

Closing Remarks
Hon. Teodoro Locsin, Jr.
Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs

Host & Moderator:
Dr. Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby
Associate Professor, International Studies Department, De La Salle University