Philippines joins Ocean Centres initiative

The Philippines has joined the Ocean Centres initiative.

In a news release, the Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) —the country network of the United Nations Global Compact, uniting 65 local participants from top corporations, SMEs, and NGOs to advance responsible business practices— said the launch event was held on July 10 at the Aboitiz Tech Space of the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.

The Ocean Centres is an initiative hosted by the UN Global Compact and supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

It has been set up in seven countries—Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and now the Philippines.

GCNP said each Ocean Centre is strategically located to address regional safety challenges and will play a vital role in fostering collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and maritime communities.

''The Ocean Centres focus on four key action areas: shipping and ports, fishing and aquaculture, offshore renewables, and finance and investment – each addressing safety and sustainability across emerging ocean sectors. These priorities were shaped by national insights and stakeholder input to ensure local relevance and global impact,'' GCNP said.

''Building on this, they aim to promote responsible business practices in ocean-based economies and influence the creation of new standards and policies.''

Edward Gacusana, institutional partnership manager of GCNP, said that “the launch of Ocean Centres Philippines marks a turning point for the country’s blue economy.”

“The Ocean Centres Philippines will serve as a go-to resource and hub for ocean safety, sustainable practices, and research collaboration,” said Yrhen Balinis, Ocean Centres Philippines country lead.—VBL, GMA Integrated News