The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, will conduct an integrated research project on biodiversity conservation at Recto Bank and Rizal Reef in April.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga announced the initiative on Friday during the first all-women maritime security forum organized by the Stratbase Institute in partnership with the Australian Embassy in the Philippines. She also highlighted that DENR had previously conducted the Biodiversity Conservation and Carbon Sequestration in the West Philippine Sea Project on Pag-asa Island earlier this year.

Loyzaga emphasized the importance of the West Philippine Sea, which contributes approximately 27 percent of the country’s commercial fisheries production and around 30 percent of its coral reefs. However, she noted that the region faces threats from ongoing illegal and aggressive actions by China. “We expect to discover more and measure the Philippine treasures in the ecosystems of the West Philippine Sea, a big part of our natural capital for the present and the future,” she said.

In addition to the research project, DENR plans to establish a marine scientific research station on Pag-asa Island, which will be one of eight such stations across the country’s biogeographic regions. Other stations will include those at Tubbataha Reef, Snake Island in Palawan, and Verde Island Passage, to be developed with the private sector and academic partners.

Loyzaga also highlighted the significance of bilateral collaboration, particularly with Australia, in developing science and policy leaders in ocean science and maritime security. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu emphasized the need for gender equality in maritime security, underscoring that the sector requires full participation from both men and women. “We need all the brilliant minds, including women, coming forward to solve this challenging issue,” she said.

Stratbase president professor Dindo Manhit also recognized the crucial role of women in maritime security and called for more female representation in the sector.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Col. Francel Taborlupa said that partnerships with allies like Australia are essential for enhancing maritime security. She reiterated that the Philippines is committed to defending its territory in accordance with international law. “We are a peace-loving nation, and we are merely defending our own territory,” Taborlupa said, emphasizing the goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific.