Data from the Board of Investments show Philippine aerospace exports reached US$590.2 million in 2024, rising further to US$603.1 million in the first nine months of 2025. Major markets include the United States, Singapore, France, and China.

Building on this momentum, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in Singapore (PTIC-Singapore), is promoting the country’s capabilities in aerospace manufacturing, parts production, sub-assemblies, and MRO services at the Philippine Pavilion of the Singapore Airshow 2026.

DTI is supporting the Philippine delegation by facilitating business matching and targeted introductions with potential foreign investors, buyers, and partners attending the Airshow. The DTI Singapore team, led by Commercial Counsellor Carla Grepo, is helping strengthen industry links, including collaboration between the Aerospace Industries Association of the Philippines, represented by Executive Director Wilfredo Estoque, and the Association of Aerospace Industries Singapore, led by Chew Hwee Yong.

DTI’s engagement focuses on positioning the Philippines as a competitive location for aerospace manufacturing and services while advancing direct commercial discussions between Philippine firms and international aerospace companies.

The country already hosts established aerospace manufacturers and global MRO players, supported by a growing local supplier base engaged in precision machining, components, and assemblies. These operations are anchored in investment-ready industrial zones and airport-linked developments promoted by other agencies represented in the Pavilion.

The Philippine Pavilion brings together economic agencies, infrastructure operators, and private-sector firms engaged in aviation and aerospace. Delegates include representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines, Clark International Airport Corporation, Aerospace Industries Association of the Philippines, LIPAD Corporation, Poro Point Management Corporation, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Berthaphil Inc., Skytrack Aviation Services, Skyway Airlines, and Wingbox Aviation.

Sponsored by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Department of Tourism, the Pavilion was open to visitors from 3–6 February 2026.

Singapore, a regional headquarters hub for many global aviation and aerospace firms, provides a strategic platform for investment discussions, particularly for companies seeking Southeast Asian manufacturing and services partners.

Interested companies may contact PTIC-Singapore at singapore@dti.gov.ph

The opening ceremony will feature a symbolic moment led by the European Union Ambassador and representatives of EU Member States, who will jointly form an image that reflects the theme Pathways to Excellence. The act is designed to demonstrate the shared commitment of the EU and the Philippines to advancing education and research collaboration.

We are pleased to open the EHEF 2025 here in Manila. EHEF offers Filipino students and researchers a unique opportunity to explore new pathways to excellence while deepening the enduring partnership between the European Union and the Philippines said European Union Ambassador H.E. Massimo Santoro.

Now recognized as one of the flagship initiatives of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, the fair continues to highlight the EU as a center of academic distinction. This year introduces additional programme sessions, including Copernicus and EURAXESS, expanding opportunities in scientific cooperation, mobility, and research innovation.

The EHEF 2025 is supported by the Commission on Higher Education and regional hubs that include the University of Santo Tomas for Metro Manila, University of the Cordilleras for Luzon, Eastern Visayas State University for the Visayas, and Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan for Mindanao. University partners include Ateneo de Davao University, Caraga State University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Holy Cross of Davao College, Lyceum of the Philippines Manila, Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines Manila, and Visayas State University.

Professional organization partners include the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines, Philippine Architecture School Association, Philippine Computer Society, Philippine Economic Society, and the United Architects of the Philippines. Media partners such as Backend News, Baguio Herald Express, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, Gadgets Magazine, GMA Pinoy TV, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Gold Star Daily, News Watch Plus, SEA Wave Pop Culture Magazine, SEA Wave Pilipinas, Tempo, and WhenInManila dot com support the fair’s nationwide reach. COMCO Southeast Asia Pilipinas serves as the PR and communications partner.

The onsite Fair will be held on 21 and 22 November at Robinsons Manila. The online sessions will take place on 24 November via Zoom. This year’s edition brings together 99 onsite and online exhibitors from 15 EU Member States including the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden.

For more information, visit ehefphilippines.com and check our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, and X (@EHEFPhilippines).

The package includes €20 million (₱1.36 billion) directly from the EU, plus €2 million (₱136 million) from Finland and €600,000 (₱40.8 million) from France. The partnership aims to strengthen key areas of the country’s digital ecosystem: 5G policy support, cybersecurity, digital connectivity, and AI-powered earth observation technologies.

According to a news release from the EU Delegation in Manila, the initiative forms part of Global Gateway, the EU’s worldwide strategy to expand smart, clean, and secure digital, energy, and transport networks and reinforce research, education, and health systems.

EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro said the substantial funding reflects Europe’s commitment “to support digital technology for societal advancement,” adding that the partnership will accelerate “inclusive and sustainable digital transformation” in the Philippines.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said this will impact the country’s disaster preparedness, noting that the project will enable high-speed, real-time access to Copernicus satellite data. “This will allow the government to better prepare for natural disasters, respond faster in times of crisis, and provide immediate relief to Filipino families. And we need this now more than ever,” he said.

A major component of the cooperation is the expanded EU Copernicus Philippines program, which uses satellite earth observation and AI analytics to guide government action on disaster risk reduction, environmental management, food security, and infrastructure mapping. Increased access to Copernicus data is expected to boost both public sector decision-making and private sector productivity.

The partnership will also deepen cooperation between EU and Philippine universities in science, technology, and innovation, particularly in frontier tech fields.

In addition, the package supports the Philippines’ transition to next-generation connectivity by strengthening 5G policies, expanding international and domestic digital links, and building robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect critical infrastructure.

The program will be jointly implemented by the Philippine Space Agency, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Office of Civil Defense, together with European counterparts.

France is setting its sights on the Philippines as a rising hub for trade and investment in Southeast Asia, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s growth trajectory and governance reforms under the Marcos administration.

During the 11th Philippines–France Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, opening new channels for investment, and building stronger partnerships across key industries, from infrastructure and energy to aerospace, transport, and maritime development.

The high-level talks brought together senior government officials and business leaders from both nations to deepen bilateral engagement and explore new frontiers for collaboration. Discussions spanned public works, agriculture, mobility, cybersecurity, and human capital development. These highlight a broad, future-oriented agenda designed to create jobs, spur innovation, and enhance market access.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) presented the Philippines’ ongoing policy reforms, including investment incentives under the CREATE MORE Act and flagship infrastructure projects that reinforce the country’s competitive advantage. France, for its part, expressed strong optimism about the Philippines’ economic potential, with growing interest from French companies seeking to participate in emerging opportunities in the local market.

France also reaffirmed its strong support for the Philippines–European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH–EU FTA), emphasizing that a comprehensive trade accord would further unlock investment and accelerate economic integration with Europe.

During the press conference following the meeting, both sides reiterated their determination to address key business challenges. From the French delegation, Ms. Magali Cesana, Head of the Bilateral Affairs and International Business Development Department of the French Treasury, noted that while companies face sector-specific issues such as procedural delays and administrative hurdles, both governments are working to streamline processes without compromising transparency. The implementation of the government-to-government (G2G) financing framework, signed on June 24, 2024, was cited as a major milestone toward more efficient project approvals and enhanced coordination.

The Philippine side highlighted the JEC’s vital role as a platform for resolving trade and investment barriers. Officials cited the finalized HPEI regionalization arrangement, which facilitates French exports to the Philippines, as an example of the partnership’s tangible progress. Both parties also discussed efforts to improve market access and cooperation under the ongoing EU–Philippines FTA negotiations.

Infrastructure, energy, agriculture, mobility (particularly railways), maritime, and space technologies were identified as priority sectors for future collaboration. The recently signed Coast Guard vessel project under the G2G framework was noted as a model of successful bilateral cooperation.

Both sides also underscored the importance of integrity and transparency in building investor confidence. France emphasized the role of good governance and strong institutions in attracting long-term investments, while the Philippines reiterated that corruption is a global issue that requires continued collaboration and vigilance.

“Our relations with France remain vital as we pursue the Philippines–EU Free Trade Agreement. France has been one of our strongest supporters in advancing this initiative,” said DTI Undersecretary Allan Gepty, who co-chaired the meeting on behalf of the Philippines. “The JEC discussions were very substantive and constructive, covering a wide range of sectors that reflect the growing confidence of France in the Philippines’ economic potential.”

“Moving forward, our economic relations with France look very promising. We see new prospects for cooperation and investments, particularly as we work toward deeper trade relations with the EU,” Gepty added.

France expressed optimism about the Philippines as an investment destination, recognizing its expanding role in global value chains, particularly in electronics, agriculture, aerospace, and renewable energy. French representatives also encouraged greater awareness of Philippine export potential, especially in high-value and sustainable goods.

For its part, the Philippines reaffirmed its goal of diversifying markets and expanding its FTA network amid shifting global trade dynamics, including recent tariff adjustments in other economies.

Currently, France ranks as the Philippines’ 19th largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade valued at approximately USD 1.54 billion in 2024. Both sides acknowledged that while current levels remain modest, there is significant untapped potential and a shared resolve to elevate economic ties through stronger cooperation, awareness, and investment promotion initiatives.

“The growing presence of French companies in the Philippines demonstrates their confidence in the market’s potential and their interest in developing new areas of collaboration,” said the French delegation co-chair, underscoring the importance of transparency and efficiency in project implementation.

As the Philippines and France advance discussions toward the PH–EU Free Trade Agreement, both sides view the JEC as a critical mechanism for driving innovation, strengthening institutional cooperation, trade relations, and advancing an inclusive and sustainable economic partnership.

Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, together with the Embassies of EU Member States, EHEF 2025 highlights new academic pathways, collaborations, and opportunities for Filipinos seeking to pursue higher learning in Europe.

For the first time, Latvia, Romania, and Slovakia will join EHEF’s expanding network of participating EU Member States—offering Filipino students an even broader range of programs and academic disciplines to explore.

This year’s fair will also feature institutions from the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, and Sweden, showcasing Europe’s diverse and globally recognized educational landscape.

More than 97 European higher education institutions, embassies, and cultural organizations will take part in this year’s fair—providing direct engagement with students, educators, and researchers from across the Philippines.

New Programmes and Deepened Collaboration

EHEF 2025 introduces several new programme sessions, including presentations from the Copernicus Programme—the EU’s flagship Earth Observation initiative—and EURAXESS, which supports researcher mobility and career development.

A special session on Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) will highlight the EU’s ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building within the Philippine higher education system.

Focused information sessions will further connect academic and institutional groups, ensuring greater alignment and impact for participants and partner schools.

EU’s Continued Commitment to Education and Cultural Exchange

“Each year, EHEF grows not just in size but also in depth. With new EU Member States joining and new programme sessions expanding our offerings, we are opening more pathways for Filipino students and researchers to connect, learn, and thrive in the EU,” said H.E. Massimo Santoro, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines.

“This reflects the EU’s continuous dedication to making education a bridge between nations and cultures,” he added.

Throughout the fair, participating universities and EU representatives will present a wide array of degree programs, scholarships, and research opportunities designed to support Filipino students in pursuing their academic goals in Europe.

Why Study in the EU?

Studying in the European Union means more than just earning a degree—it’s about discovering the world through knowledge and culture. Students can learn new languages, immerse themselves in diverse communities, and engage with programs rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and real-world application.

EU universities empower students to explore their passions beyond traditional disciplines, nurturing future leaders with global perspectives.

Strong Support from Philippine Institutions

EHEF 2025 is supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and regional hub universities including:

• University of Santo Tomas (Metro Manila)
• University of the Cordilleras (Luzon)
• Eastern Visayas State University (Visayas)
• Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao)

University partners include: Ateneo de Davao University, Caraga State University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Holy Cross of Davao College, Lyceum of the Philippines–Manila, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines Manila, and Visayas State University.

Professional organization partners include the National Academy of Science and Technology–Philippines, Philippine Architecture School Association, Philippine Computer Society, Philippine Economic Society, and United Architects of the Philippines.

The EHEF 2025 will be held November 21-22 at the Midtown Atrium, Robinsons Manila, with online sessions on November 24, for those unable to attend in person.

For more information about EHEF 2025, visit www.ehefphilippines.com or follow @EHEFPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates.

This was the consensus at the forum “France and the Philippines: Promoting a Sustainable and Inclusive Maritime Governance in the Indo-Pacific” organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute in partnership with the French Embassy in the Philippines. The event convened key figures from government, defense, and diplomacy as part of the Blue Nations initiative leading up to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).

France and the Philippines: Building a Deeper Maritime Alliance

French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel said France’s partnership with the Philippines has moved from words to action following the Letter of Intent signed by both nations’ defense ministers on December 23, 2024, paving the way for collaboration in defense, capacity building, and information sharing.

“Our engagement has moved beyond declarations towards tangible joint initiatives, information sharing, and trust building,” Fontanel noted. “Beyond security and sovereignty, we must never forget that the ocean is also a human space — one that sustains lives, livelihoods, and cultures.”

Shared Seas, Shared Responsibility

Stratbase ADR Institute President Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit warned that the Philippines continues to face provocations, encroachments, and even environmental weaponization by China — actions that threaten sovereign rights, freedom of navigation, global trade, and the maritime commons.

“Effective maritime governance is not just about defending territory,” Manhit said. “It’s about ensuring our seas remain shared spaces of peace, prosperity, and sustainability. France remains a steadfast partner of the Philippines in this endeavor.”

He added that the Philippines “cannot — and should not — stand alone,” reaffirming the nation’s commitment to cooperate with like-minded nations such as France, uphold international law, and ensure a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

‘The West Philippine Sea Is an Election Issue’

Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez (Ret.), spokesperson of the National Maritime Council, described the West Philippine Sea as the frontline of China’s gray zone activities — marked by coercive, illegal, and aggressive tactics such as the recent incident near Pag-asa Island.

He called for deeper cooperation with France through shared surveillance data, satellite technology, and coordinated research, to establish a maritime governance framework that is integrated, sustainable, and inclusive.

“The Indo-Pacific’s future will not be written by the strongest navy or the largest economy,” Lopez said. “It will be written by those who can govern the seas wisely, inclusively, and sustainably.”

Maritime Governance: The Compass of Sovereignty

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela underscored that maritime governance is not secondary to conflict, but the foundation of sovereignty itself — encompassing safety, sustainability, and law enforcement.

“Maritime governance is the very compass of our ocean stewardship,” Tarriela said. “It spans safety, regulatory frameworks, environmental protection, and security.”

He emphasized the need for education, capacity building, vessel modernization, and closer coordination with the French Navy to enhance maritime security.

“Our cooperation with France — from safety and connectivity to bolstering law enforcement and confronting illegal, coercive maneuvers of China — is crucial,” he said.

Tarriela also urged that the West Philippine Sea be treated as an election issue, reminding Filipinos that defending maritime rights is a national imperative.

“We must double our efforts to rally global support and leverage the 2016 Arbitral Award,” he added.

The discussions concluded with a shared pledge to uphold international law, strengthen maritime partnerships, and promote a rules-based Indo-Pacific anchored on peace, cooperation, and sustainable governance.

Speaking at the fifth edition of the Blue Talks held on October 16 at Makati Diamond Residences, French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel said France stands as a resident power in the region — not a distant observer — and remains committed to a rules-based international order.

“France’s presence and commitment to the stability of the region, alongside the Philippines, is the result of a simple truth: we are not distant observers of the Indo-Pacific; we are part of it,” Fontanel said.

She reiterated France’s adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the importance of the 2016 Arbitral Award as a “cornerstone of international jurisprudence.”

“Upholding these principles is a matter of global order,” she said. “The Philippines has been an essential voice in this effort — as a maritime nation, as a democracy, and as a country deeply committed to the rule of law. Your leadership, your experience, in defending international norms are essential to the stability of the region.”

Fontanel cited the Letter of Intent signed in December 2023 between the two countries’ defense ministries as a milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation in maritime security and capacity-building.

“Our engagement has moved beyond declarations — towards tangible joint initiatives, information-sharing, and trust-building,” she said. “It is through these actions, and through platforms such as today’s conference, that we strengthen the resilience of our societies and safeguard the stability of our common region.”

Protecting oceans, empowering communities

Beyond maritime defense, France has expanded its cooperation with the Philippines in areas that directly benefit people and the planet.

“We must never forget that the ocean is also a human space — one that sustains lives, livelihoods, and cultures,” the Ambassador said.

Through the French Development Agency (AFD), France supports projects that protect marine ecosystems, promote renewable energy, and strengthen sustainable fisheries. Fontanel also highlighted ongoing scientific partnerships between French institutions such as IFREMER and IRD, and the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines.

These collaborations advance marine research, climate adaptation, and inclusive maritime governance — reflecting what Fontanel described as “dialogue and cooperation [as] the strongest tools we have to achieve peace and prosperity.”

“As we look ahead, the question is simple: what kind of Indo-Pacific do we want to live in, build, and protect together?” she said.

On September 24 in New York, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya chaired the first ministerial meeting of the “Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT)”, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the Embassy of Japan from Manila said.

The session lasted about 45 minutes and gathered countries from different regions that support nuclear disarmament.

In his remarks, Iwaya pointed to today’s tense global security climate, citing North Korea’s continued nuclear and missile development and the opaque nuclear build-ups of other states.

He stressed that an FMCT—banning the production of fissile materials like enriched uranium and plutonium—would place real limits on nuclear arsenals.

He called on the international community to turn dialogue into action and finally begin negotiations on the treaty, which has been stalled since first proposed in 1993 by then US President Bill Clinton.

Officials from Australia, the Philippines, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom also delivered statements.

United Nations disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu underscored the urgency of advancing the treaty, while the United States participated as an observer.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint ministerial statement reaffirming support for the treaty’s negotiation.

The FMCT Friends group—made up of countries including Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, the Philippines, the UK, and the US—aims to keep international focus on the treaty and broaden political support for its adoption.

Japan emphasized that starting negotiations on the FMCT without delay is vital to strengthening the global disarmament and non-proliferation framework. V. Uy

Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, in partnership with the Embassies of EU Member States in Manila and guest participant, the Embassy of Ukraine, this year’s festival highlights the breadth of European creativity and storytelling.

Cine Europa 28 offers a compelling line-up of award-winning dramas, comedies, animations, and literary adaptations, tackling universal themes of resilience, identity, family, freedom, and hope.

Among the featured films are:

The Peasants (Poland) – An animated oil-painting masterpiece about a woman’s fight for independence in a 19th-century village.

Beyond the Blue Border (Germany) – A gripping story of two teenagers risking everything to cross the Baltic Sea.

Three Kilometres to the End of the World (Romania) – A raw drama about a young man facing the aftermath of a homophobic attack.

Dragonkeeper: Guardiana de dragones (Spain) – A magical family adventure about saving the last dragon egg.

Je’vida (Finland) – The first film in the Skolt Sámi language, exploring indigenous identity and healing.

Curated Theft (Ukraine) – A timely account of the looting of Kherson’s museums during Russia’s invasion — the largest art theft in Europe since World War II.

Other highlights include heartfelt family stories (Jippie No More, Netherlands), sharp comedies (Fathers & Mothers, Denmark), inspiring tales of resilience (Tarrac, Ireland), and literary adaptations that probe love and freedom (L’Amour et les forêts, France).

Screenings will run in Manila at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City from September 8 to 17, 2025, followed by special screenings in Cebu, Tacloban, and Bacolod, ensuring more Filipinos across the country can enjoy the festival.

Cine Europa 28 continues with the support of its loyal partners: the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Shangri-La Plaza Corporation, University of the Philippines-Cebu, Provincial Government of Bacolod, University of St. La Salle – Bacolod, and Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban.

With its rich and diverse program, Cine Europa 28 reaffirms the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and connect audiences — making it a much-anticipated cultural event in the Philippines.

Speaking at “Ocean Talk: Key Takeaways of the Philippines from the 2025 UN Ocean Conference” held on August 13 at the GSIS Financial Center, Legarda underscored the urgent need for decisive, united action to protect Philippine seas, which she called “the soul of our archipelago” and a lifeline for millions of Filipinos.

“Commitments, no matter how eloquently spoken in conference halls, must be made real in our barangays,” she stressed, said to translate international pledges into domestic policy and practice.

The senator reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to uphold maritime rights under UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award, while urging unprecedented cooperation among government, science, business, and civil society.

“The Philippines has led and will continue to lead in ocean protection and climate action, but our most significant victories are yet to be won, if we dare to do more, together,” she said.

The symposium, organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) with the Office of Senator Legarda, the Climate Change Commission, and GSIS, brought together Philippine delegates from the June UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

Among those present were Ambassador of France to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, DFA Undersecretary and incoming Philippine Ambassador to France Eduardo Jose A. De Vega, and Climate Change Commission Vice Chair and Executive Director Robert EA Borje.

A panel discussion followed, with experts from DFA’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Biodiversity Management Bureau, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, Sulubaai Environmental Foundation, and the High Seas Alliance.

They stressed the urgency of ratifying the BBNJ Agreement and turning policy commitments into measurable outcomes for ocean science, governance, and marine protection.

Ocean Talk reaffirmed the Philippines’ leadership in ocean and climate diplomacy, highlighting the country’s unique cultural, ecological, and geopolitical ties to the seas.