Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit joined the Mining Philippines 2026 Conference as a speaker at Conrad Manila. There, he shared his insights on the growing geopolitical competition over critical minerals and its implications for the Philippines’ economic and national security.
With the theme ”From Global Trend to National Strategy: Developing the Philippines’ Critical Minerals Playbook”, Mining Philippines 2026 brought together mining companies, government officials, policymakers, investors, technology providers, service companies, financial institutions, academics, and international partners to discuss the future of the country’s mining sector. This year’s event marks the first gathering of industry leaders in the critical minerals sector under the newly enacted Republic Act No. 12253, the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, signed into law in September 2025. Together with the government’s renewed commitment to responsible and sustainable mining, the industry is entering a new phase of growth, investment, and opportunity.
The conference was opened by Sec. Juan Miguel Cuna, Secretary of Department of Environment and Natural Resources, who read the remarks of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He said, “Our engagements with the United States, Canada, Australia, and Sweden reflect the growing importance of our country in building secure and reliable mineral supply chains.” The President also highlighted the government’s efforts to develop the domestic downstream minerals industry under Executive Order No. 122, attract responsible investments, and establish a fair and predictable regulatory environment. He emphasized that the country’s mineral resources should support industrialization and create lasting opportunities for Filipinos while ensuring environmental protection and the welfare of mining communities.
In his panel discussion entitled, “Whose Nickel Is It? How China and Indonesia Cornered the Market – And the Strategic Choices the Philippines Needs to Make,” Prof. Manhit discussed how the global demand for nickel and other critical minerals is reshaping trade, investments, and supply chains, highlighting the Philippines’ strategic position in the Indo-Pacific.
He emphasized that economic security and national security are increasingly interconnected, particularly as major powers compete for access to strategic resources and influence over global supply chains. He also underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships with trusted allies, reducing dependence on concentrated supply chains, and attracting investments in domestic mineral processing and advanced manufacturing to protect the country’s strategic interests and maximize the value of its mineral resources.
