Turning Our Seas Into Strength: A Bold Vision for the Philippines’ EEZ

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo – February 21, 2025

FOR centuries, the Philippines has watched as bigger powers encroached upon its resources, treating its waters as their own. Today, history repeats itself in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)—a maritime treasure chest brimming with fish, energy reserves, and rare minerals. Yet, instead of reaping the rewards of this natural wealth, we find ourselves losing ground to illegal incursions and feeble enforcement. How much longer will we let others profit from what is rightfully ours?

So what’s the solution? Instead of merely defending our EEZ, we should be leveraging it. Imagine a Philippines that proactively invites the world’s leading powers—not as exploiters, but as strategic partners. We offer access to our EEZ in exchange for ironclad security guarantees, cutting-edge technology, and game-changing economic investments. But here’s the catch: the deal must be fair. Filipinos should get equal opportunities in our partner nations. No more one-sided agreements where we are mere resource suppliers. It’s time to rewrite the playbook.

Lessons from Around the World: Global Models for Success

Several countries have successfully turned their territorial waters and natural resources into powerful strategic and economic assets.

Norway – This Scandinavian nation transformed its oil and gas reserves into a sovereign wealth fund that now finances public services for generations. Through strict state oversight and equitable revenue-sharing, Norway ensured that foreign energy firms benefited—but so did its people.

Japan – Despite limited natural resources, Japan leveraged strategic maritime partnerships and technological advancements to dominate the global fishing and shipbuilding industries. Its approach proves that a nation can extract economic benefits from maritime territories while protecting national interests.

Vietnam – A fellow ASEAN country, Vietnam successfully negotiated foreign investment deals in its EEZ while maintaining a strong stance against illegal encroachments. By fostering partnerships with Western nations and regional allies, Vietnam has strengthened both its economy and security.

The Philippines must take inspiration from these success stories and craft policies that prioritize long-term national interest over short-term political gains.

Unleashing the Philippines: The Power of Potential

The Philippines is poised to become a regional leader—but only if we take bold steps to secure our resources, strengthen our defenses, and forge smarter economic partnerships. This plan prioritizes fair and sustainable development, modernized security agreements, and cutting-edge technological collaboration. By demanding reciprocity and strategic investment, we ensure that growth benefits Filipinos first while reinforcing our position on the global stage.

1. Fair and Sustainable Resource Development

Fisheries – We partner with the U.S., Japan, and Australia for sustainable fishing operations, but with a profit-sharing model that directly benefits Filipino communities. And if foreign fishers get access to our waters, our own fishing fleets should get equal access to theirs.
Energy Exploration – Instead of foreign companies merely extracting our oil and gas, we make it a joint venture where Philippine firms gain expertise and investment opportunities in partner countries’ energy sectors.
Strategic Minerals – Rare earth minerals from our seabed are gold in the tech world. If the U.S. and Japan want them, fine—but only if our local mining industry gets reciprocal access to their mineral projects and technology.

2. Strengthening Security Guarantees

Mutual Defense Reinforcement – The U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty needs an update. Any attack on Philippine EEZ assets must trigger an automatic military response from our allies.
Joint Naval Operations – We need regular naval patrols with allied forces in our EEZ, making it clear that any illegal incursions will not be tolerated.
Maritime Security Investment – Let’s get serious about funding our own naval and coast guard capabilities. The U.S., Japan, and Australia should not just donate ships but also invest in building a stronger Philippine maritime defense industry.

3. A New Economic and Technological Partnership

Infrastructure Expansion – We tap into allied investments to build modern ports, renewable energy hubs, and high-tech digital corridors. But this isn’t charity—we should also be allowed to invest in similar projects in partner countries.
Technology Transfer – AI, cybersecurity, and clean energy should be at the heart of our new partnerships. The Philippines can be a hub for innovation, not just a consumer of foreign technology.
Environmental Cooperation – Any deal must include commitments to protect our marine biodiversity. If foreign companies want access, they must invest in conservation efforts and carbon-neutral projects.

Legal Framework: Ensuring Compliance with Philippine Law

For this plan to work, it must comply with existing Philippine laws governing national resources, foreign investments, and security alliances.

✅ The 1987 Constitution – Article XII, Section 2 states that the “exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State.” Any agreement with foreign entities must include safeguards ensuring Philippine ownership and benefit.

✅ Republic Act No. 5183 (Foreign Business Regulation Law) – Limits foreign participation in national resource extraction. Partnerships must align with this law to ensure fair joint ventures.

✅ Republic Act No. 11054 (Bangsamoro Organic Law) – Any agreements affecting resource-rich areas within the Bangsamoro region must respect local autonomy.

✅ Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) & Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) – These existing agreements must be expanded to cover EEZ assets explicitly.

By ensuring legal compliance, we make sure that our strategy benefits Filipinos while maintaining national sovereignty.

Overcoming Barriers: A Roadmap for Progress

✅ Public Skepticism – Filipinos have been burned before by lopsided foreign deals. The government must be transparent and ensure that these partnerships benefit the people first.

✅ Regulatory Bottlenecks – We need to streamline investment processes while maintaining strong environmental and legal safeguards.

✅ Geopolitical Risks – Any move we make will face pushback from rival nations. But a strong, well-defended EEZ backed by allies is our best deterrent.

Conclusion

For too long, the Philippines has reacted rather than led, defended rather than advanced. That must change. The battle for our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not fought with weapons, but with strategy, diplomacy, and unwavering resolve. By asserting our rights, forging fair agreements, and strengthening enforcement, we can reclaim what is ours. The question is no longer if we should act, but whether we will rise to the challenge. Indecision is no longer an option—our destiny demands decisive action.