The West Philippine Sea stands out as a vital waterway in the Indo-Pacific. As tensions continue to flare, exacerbated by the rise in the number of foreign vessels in the area and illegal activities among others, the region’s future depends on constructive dialogue, multilayered cooperation, and adherence to international law.  

For the Philippines, the West Philippine Sea is intricately linked to the country’s national security – both in the context of maritime security and marine environmental protection. As the country builds its external defense posture through the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept and expands its marine protection efforts, it is also critical to explore partnerships with like-minded partners. Strategic collaboration in maritime security and environmental sustainability will bolster the country’s capacity to safeguard its waters and preserve its rich marine biodiversity. Today’s geopolitical landscape demonstrates that partnerships are no longer optional but a strategic necessity. These partnerships do not only bolster the Philippines’ defense capabilities but also contribute to broader security and stability in the region. 

For Filipinos, Australia has been consistently viewed as a top development and most trusted partner. The diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Australia is strengthened by the shared values of democracy and the commitment to the rules-based international order. As strategic partners, the momentum of cooperation on the key areas of defense and security, and sustainability are expected to continue to flourish, especially with the Philippines’ inaugural participation in the Talisman Sabre Exercise. 

In line with this, the Stratbase Institute in partnership with the Australian Embassy in the Philippines held a conference entitled “Women in the Maritime Space: Securing the Future of the Indo-Pacific through Strategic Collaboration.” This was held on 14 March 2025 (Friday) from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Manila House Private Club. 

The event explored multilayered cooperation between the Philippines and its like-minded partners to ensure resiliency and preparedness to navigate the complexities of an evolving geopolitical landscape. It also served to commemorate Women’s Month and highlighted the significant contributions of women in the maritime space. It gathered key stakeholders from the government, diplomatic community, academe, and civil society organization to exchange ideas on collaborative efforts and promote a shared vision for the region’s future.