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/

OFFICIAL AND UNMISTAKABLE

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, reminded the public that the West Philippine Sea label has been used in all official Philippine maps since 2012.

The agency clarified that the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is shown as a continuous curved boundary, in line with international law.

“In light of ongoing public discussions, NAMRIA wishes to clarify the manner by which the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone is represented,” NAMRIA stated.

NAMRIA explained that under international law, the EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the country’s archipelagic baselines, creating a continuous curved boundary rather than a polygon with straight lines.

Because of this, a short list of coordinates would not accurately show the maritime limit; instead, the boundary is mapped using precise geospatial data from RA 9522, allowing navigation systems and mapping software to determine it correctly.

Check the official map posted by NAMRIA ⬇️

11 February 2026 – Manila – National Maritime Center Welcomes Delegates of the Southeast Asia Media Visit Program (SMMVP)

The National Maritime Center (NM Center) welcomed delegates of the Southeast Asia Media Visit Program (SMMVP) on 11 February 2026 at the National Maritime Center Building in South Harbor, Manila.

The delegation was led by Professor Rebecca Strating of La Trobe Asia and composed of media practitioners, academics, and representatives from partner institutions across Southeast Asia and Australia. Representatives from the Australian Embassy were also present during the said visit. The group was received by Captain Severino Destura Jr. PCG, Chief of the Information Operations Group of the National Maritime Center, on behalf of Vice Admiral Roy A. Echeverria, PCG, Director of the NM Center.

During the visit, the NM Center provided a comprehensive briefing on its mandate, organizational structure, and operational functions under Executive Order No. 57 (s. 2024). The presentation highlighted the Center’s role in maritime domain awareness, inter-agency coordination, and monitoring of maritime security challenges.

Participants engaged in an open dialogue on capacity-building initiatives, technological platforms for information sharing, and cooperation with regional and international partners.

26 January 2026 - Manila – Royal Australian Navy Visits the National Maritime Center

The National Maritime Center (NM Center), headed by VADM ROY A ECHEVERRIA, PCG, welcomed the delegation from the Royal Australian Navy during a courtesy visit at the NM Center in Manila.

The Australian delegation was led by VADM MARK DAVID HAMMOND, Chief of Navy of the Royal Australian Navy. Also present during the visit were from the Philippine Navy, led by RADM JOE ANTHONY C ORBE, PN, Commander of the Philippine Fleet Navy.

The visit underscored the strong and enduring partnership between the Philippines and Australia, anchored on shared values and a common commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the maritime domain. Discussions highlighted areas of cooperation in maritime security, maritime domain awareness, information sharing, training, and capacity-building initiatives. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in addressing evolving maritime challenges, particularly in the region.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation and expressed optimism for deeper collaboration in the years ahead. The National Maritime Center looks forward to sustained engagement with the Royal Australian Navy, the Philippine Navy, and Australian partners in advancing shared maritime security objectives.

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.

Testimonial Parade of Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria PCG, Director, NM Center, at Fort Gregorio del Pilar, Baguio City, on 10 January 2026.

"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

National Maritime Center Co-Organizes 3rd IORIS Steering Committee Policy Board and Working Groups Meeting

The National Maritime Center (NM Center) co-organized and actively participated in the 3rd IORIS Steering Committee Policy Board and Working Groups Meeting, held in Manila from 18 to 20 November 2025. The gathering brought together more than 120 officials from 45 Indo-Pacific countries, reaffirming the region’s collective commitment to strengthening coordination, interoperability, and information sharing through IORIS, the maritime coordination platform developed under the EU CRIMARIO II initiative. Attendees from the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, and Philippine Navy were also present in the meeting.

Throughout the three-day meeting, participants reviewed key policy, operational, and technical priorities aimed at enhancing regional maritime cooperation. Delegates also examined concrete real-world cases demonstrating how IORIS has supported operations across a broad spectrum of maritime security activities, including counter-narcotics and contraband efforts, search and rescue operations, counter-piracy missions, and responses to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

NM Center Director VADM ROY A ECHEVERRIA PCG highlighted that the Philippines’ role as co-organizer reflects its strong and ongoing commitment to advancing regional collaboration. He noted that the discussions build on the momentum of the EU–Philippines Security and Defence Dialogue, further reinforcing shared priorities in maritime security, hybrid threat response, and regional resilience.

The meeting closed with a shared resolve to expand the use of IORIS as a central tool for coordinated action, contributing to a safer and more stable maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific.

The National Maritime Center family extends its warmest birthday greetings to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Your steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting the Philippine interest, especially the country’s maritime domain, inspire us all. We stand firmly behind your efforts to safeguard our country’s waters and resources, ensuring peace, security, and prosperity for every Filipino.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President!