The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Kingdom of Belgium have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in maritime safety, security, and marine environmental protection.
The commitment was solidified during the official visit of the Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova, to the PCG National Headquarters in the Port Area, Manila, on August 17, 2026.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan welcomed Ambassador Iordanova and her delegation, initiating high-level discussions aimed at bolstering maritime operational readiness through international partnership. Central to the meeting was a focus on capacity building, with both nations exploring opportunities for advanced training, postgraduate studies, and the integration of cutting-edge maritime simulation technologies to elevate the professional competence of PCG personnel.
A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to the preservation of marine ecosystems. The PCG and the Belgian delegation identified potential collaborations in marine pollution prevention and response, alongside enhanced environmental monitoring strategies to safeguard the nation’s maritime resources.
Furthermore, both parties underscored the importance of maritime domain awareness. Discussions extended to critical security concerns, including:
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Enhancing maritime surveillance and information-sharing protocols.
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Addressing emerging maritime security challenges.
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Protecting underwater critical maritime infrastructure.
This diplomatic engagement aligns with the PCG’s “Organized National Engagement (ONE) at Sea” strategic concept and the “Intensive Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE)” program. These initiatives are core components of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, which prioritizes the development of a safer, more resilient, and sustainable maritime domain for the Philippines.
“The partnership between the Philippine Coast Guard and Belgium represents a shared vision for a secure and protected maritime environment,” said Admiral Gavan. “By leveraging international expertise and technology, we are better positioned to uphold our mandate and serve the Filipino people.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge from both nations to foster an enduring partnership, ensuring long-term cooperation in maritime safety and security excellence.
