National Maritime Center

In solidarity with the Philippine Commission on Women, the National Maritime Center (NM Center) proudly joins the celebration of National Women’s Month 2026.

This year’s observance calls on all sectors to advance gender equality and strengthen inclusive spaces where women can lead and thrive. The NM Center then reaffirms its commitment to equal opportunities within the maritime community and to initiatives that empower women at sea and ashore.

For more information on the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration, visit:https://pcw.gov.ph/2026-national-womens-month-celebration/

20 January 2026 – Manila – Delegation from Canada’s Global Affairs and Embassy Visits the National Maritime Center

The National Maritime Center (NM Center), headed by VADM ROY A ECHEVERRIA PCG, hosted a meeting with Canadian partners on 20 January 2026 at the National Maritime Center in Manila. The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on maritime security and maritime domain awareness.

The Canadian delegation was led by Mr. Martin Larose, Director General for International Security and Strategic Affairs, and was joined by representatives from Global Affairs Canada and the Embassy of Canada. Also present were key officials from the Philippine Coast Guard, including COMMO JOEL SIMO-AG PCG, Director of the Philippine Coast Guard Command Center.

Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in maritime security, information sharing, and coordination among relevant agencies. Both sides acknowledged the importance of continued cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges, particularly in promoting a secure and stable maritime environment in the region.

"The West Philippine Sea is a crucial source of our food supply. It makes a major contribution to the national fish catch and enhances the Philippines' status as one of the world's top fish-producing countries. However, the sector faces increasing pressure from declining fish stocks and environmental damage, along with the effects of overfishing. Adding to these challenges are external pressures like foreign-imposed fishing bans, large-scale reclamation, and destructive practices that have severely damaged coral reefs in the WPS. These realities demand a strong resolve from all of us as stewards of the sea, protecting our marine environment, and asserting our sovereign rights require vigilance, coordination, and a clear understanding of what is happening in our waters."

𝐕𝐀𝐃𝐌 𝐑𝐎𝐘 𝐀 𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐏𝐂𝐆
Director, National Maritime Center


WATCH: Eyes on the Sea: Community-Based Maritime Monitoring and Reporting in the West Philippine Sea
https://www.facebook.com/stratbaseadri/videos/2192285034633464

"The West Philippine Sea is a crucial source of our food supply. It makes a major contribution to the national fish catch and enhances the Philippines' status as one of the world's top fish-producing countries. However, the sector faces increasing pressure from declining fish stocks and environmental damage, along with the effects of overfishing. Adding to these challenges are external pressures like foreign-imposed fishing bans, large-scale reclamation, and destructive practices that have severely damaged coral reefs in the WPS. These realities demand a strong resolve from all of us as stewards of the sea, protecting our marine environment, and asserting our sovereign rights require vigilance, coordination, and a clear understanding of what is happening in our waters."

VADM Roy Echeverria
Director, National Maritime Center


WATCH: Eyes on the Sea: Community-Based Maritime Monitoring and Reporting in the West Philippine Sea
https://www.facebook.com/stratbaseadri/videos/2192285034633464