Filipino coastal communities are increasingly recognized as the country’s first line of defense in the West Philippine Sea, experts asserted during the “Eyes on the Sea” forum hosted by the Stratbase Institute. Held amid escalating maritime tensions, the forum brought together national leaders, diplomats, and security officials to emphasize community-based maritime monitoring as a vital strategy in safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and marine resources.

Communities seen as key defenders in West Philippine Sea. (2025, December 5). Daily Guardian, pp. 2, 11.