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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

We at Stratbase have always advocated a shift away from consumption-led growth toward investment-driven development. Our experience of COVID-19 — specifically, its economic consequences — emphasized the need to be less vulnerable to external developments and hence be more resilient to external shocks. The lockdowns which restricted people’s movements, and hence consumption and other economic activities, dealt a serious blow not only to businesses, but to the economy as a whole. Read More