Group says pursuing blue economy may address West Philippine Sea issues

This map is not to scale and is for visual representation purposes only. Graphics by: Samuel Yap / INQUIRER.net

SUBIC BAY, Zambales — Pursuing a “blue economy,” or one that is focused on the conservation and inclusive use of marine resources for economic growth, could address the issues hounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a group said on Friday.

In a statement, the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) also said that the concept of the blue economy would provide a broader framework for the country.

READ: Negros Occidental Rep. Benitez lauds House approval of ‘blue economy’ bill

One initiative pushed to make it happen was the Blue Economy Bill, which already passed the third and final reading at the House of Representatives on December 12, 2023.

PRRM president Edicio dela Torre highlighted in the statement that the nation’s land area is “merely 300,000 square kilometers,” while its exclusive economic zone stretches across 2.2 million square kilometers.

“Therefore, we need not delve into topics like global trade and our seafarers when discussing the concept of the blue economy. The concept of a blue economy addresses the entire issue,” dela Torre said.

He also said that there are species in the WPS that could have “special, medicinal, or pharmaceutical” potential.

READ: French Embassy seeks ‘Blue Nations’ projects for UN meet in Nice

“The blue economy is so vast that if you can’t defend the West Philippine Sea, you can’t develop it,” dela Torre said.

“The hot issue now is the West Philippine Sea. If we can’t even assert and develop what has been internationally recognized as ours, others will say, ‘If you can’t even take care of the small ones, how much more the larger ones?,” he said.

Furthermore, the PRRM said it is also supporting the proposed establishment of the Center for West Philippine Sea Studies, which would “dig deeper and disseminate information on the WPS.”

“We need extensive discussions, studies, debates and a deepening of understanding so that we cannot just fully grasp but also appreciate it,” dela Torre said.