WHILE the Philippines has made significant efforts to address multifaceted maritime governance issues, it continues to struggle to set clear strategic priorities amid complex challenges, a maritime security study initiated by several Australian educational institutions said.

This photo shows a Philippine soldier Tychico Octobre patrols a beach in Pagasa Island (Thitu Island) at the Spratly group of islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, on May 11, 2015. AFP PHOTO / POOL / RITCHIE B. TONGO

In an article that is part of the Blue Security project, it was pointed out that the government must set priority areas for international cooperation that should target a broad spectrum of strategic and environmental objectives related to coastal and marine management, tourism, transport, institutional capacities and maritime and territorial disputes

The study said the situation that the Philippines is in frequently "leads to a focus on immediate crises and the neglect of long-term sustainability and comprehensive governance."

"The Philippines faces substantial maritime governance capacity gaps, with shortfalls in maritime domain awareness standing out as a primary concern," said the report under the 'Blue Security' project led by La Trobe Asia, University of Western Australia Defence and Security Institute, Griffith Asia Institute, UNSW Canberra and the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defense Dialogue (AP4D).

It pointed out that limited surveillance capabilities, inadequate assets including patrol vessels and aircraft, and underdeveloped information-sharing mechanisms prevent the maritime authorities' comprehensive and real-time understanding of the Philippines' extensive maritime zones.

"These gaps hinder the effective execution of maritime operations. Further exacerbating the situation are budget constraints, which stall the acquisition of necessary equipment and technology essential to meeting the country's goal of 'minimum credible deterrence' and establishing a 'self-reliant defense posture,'" the study said.

To close these gaps, the study suggested the Philippines continue joint maritime exercises and patrols with partners and allies to counter threats such as piracy, and incursions by foreign forces.

"Moreover, enhancing intelligence sharing and maritime surveillance will strengthen proactive defense and augment the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy," it said.

On the South China Sea issue, the study said the Philippines should uphold its commitment to the 2016 Arbitral Award, enlisting support from the international community for its maritime rights.

"While leveraging relationships with the long-standing ally, the United States, engagements with dialogue partners, including Australia, Canada, the European Union, India, Japan, and others, should be enhanced," it said.

On the other hand, the report said more concrete mechanisms beyond diplomatic talks should be established with China to ease tensions and ensure safe encounters at sea.

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