At the first Nordic Day celebration on March 24, diplomats from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden — joined by Iceland — outlined a partnership that is increasingly strategic in a world where supply chains are uncertain and geopolitical risks are rising.

The message was clear: as traditional trade mechanisms come under strain, smaller but stable economies like the Nordics are becoming vital anchors.

For Ambassador Franz Michael Melbin of Denmark, the Nordic relationship with the Philippines rests on something deeper than trade: “The Nordic family represents eight flags and five countries, yet we are united by something deeper: trust.”

He said that this trust, rooted in democratic values, accountability, and inclusion, forms the backbone of cooperation: “Our relationship with the Philippines is not defined by distance, but by our joint direction… a belief that international partnerships can improve the welfare and prosperity of our peoples together.”

That alignment is becoming more critical as global instability, both from war-driven oil shocks and protectionist trade policies, forces countries like the Philippines to diversify partners.

Security, sovereignty, and a fragile rules-based order

The shifting geopolitical landscape was addressed more directly by Ambassador Saija Nurminen of Finland, who warned that the global system itself is under pressure: “In a world where security guarantees can resemble racketeering, and free trade is hampered by tariffs — cooperation in defense and security has never been more important.”

She pointed to flashpoints from Ukraine to the West Philippine Sea, underscoring that peace must be actively defended: “Peace is not a gift granted, but a right upheld — and too often a struggle fought.”

She also praised Philippines’ own stance, particularly its support for Ukraine and adherence to UNCLOS, s part of a broader effort to uphold international law.

But Finland’s ambassador said newer threats are also emerging: “Both the Philippines and the Nordic countries are targets of… cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and intimidation.”

In this context, digital resilience and security cooperation are becoming just as important as traditional diplomacy.

Trade, jobs, and a ‘vote of confidence’ in PH

Beyond shared values, the Nordic presence in the Philippines is increasingly economic, and tangible.

According to Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster of Norway, Nordic companies are trading and investing: “Many Nordic businesses are not only here to trade; they are investing in new jobs and opportunities… within advanced and cutting-edge high technology sectors.”

He said these investments already employ tens of thousands of Filipinos across industries — from maritime and renewable energy to digital services: “Our trade is thus not just the exchange of goods, but the exchange of opportunity and transformation.”

This reflects a broader pattern: Nordic firms are drawn to the Philippines’ young workforce, growing market, and strategic location, while Manila looks to the Nordics for high-quality, sustainable investments.

From green energy to digital governance

The scope of cooperation is also expanding rapidly.

For Anna Ferry of the Embassy of Sweden, the partnership is increasingly future-oriented: “Together, we can support digitalization of public services and a modern health care system for all… reshape the shipping industry… and help position the Philippines as a leader in the energy transition.”

Nordic countries are global leaders in renewable energy, smart cities, and sustainable mining — areas where the Philippines is seeking both investment and expertise.

But Ferry stressed that economic ties alone are not enough: “The strongest bridges between nations are built not of steel, but of people.”

Indeed, one of the most enduring links between the Philippines and the Nordics is human. Around 18,000 Filipinos live in Norway, many in maritime professions. Nordic countries are also increasingly looking to Filipino workers to address labor shortages, while tourism and cultural exchanges continue to grow from a small base.

Institutions like the Nordic Chamber of Commerce reflect this momentum, supporting expanding business activity across sectors — from wind energy and shipping to healthcare and digital infrastructure.

The timing of this deepening engagement is not accidental.

As conflict in the Middle East threatens fuel supply stability and raises costs for energy-importing countries like the Philippines, and as global trade faces fragmentation, the need for reliable, rules-based partners has become urgent.

The Nordic model of open markets combined with strong social protections, innovation, and sustainability offers a compelling alternative.

As Ambassador Ferry put it: “The Nordic choice is cooperation over fragmentation, and partnership over isolation.”

For the Philippines, that choice has become essential.

Taking the lead is Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, who stressed that the Philippines “rejects coercion and unilateral attempts to alter the status quo” over the disputed West Philippine Sea which China claims as part of its territory.

“We promote transparency, counter deception, and expose malign influence,” he said. “We remain committed to peaceful dialogue and diplomatic solutions. When international law is upheld, smaller states are protected…When nations act transparently and responsibly, the Indo-Pacific becomes a region of opportunity rather than rivalry.”

This approach, Brawner stressed, was anchored firmly in the 2016 arbitral award that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims across the South China Sea and which is set to mark its 10th anniversary in July this year. 

Brawner made the remarks during a high-level conference organized by the Stratbase Institute and the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of the diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Manila. 

Following post-World War II reconciliation and normalization of bilateral ties between the two countries in 1956, Stratbase president and CEO Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit noted how Philippine-Japan relations evolved from being an economic partnership “into one that now plays a critical role in addressing today’s security challenges.”

“This reflects a clear reality: our maritime domain is becoming more contested, and the need to uphold international law has never been more urgent,” Manhit said. “The Philippines and Japan stand as like-minded partners in advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. But a rules-based order is not self-sustaining. It must be defended, reinforced, and practiced.”

The AFP chief of staff said the two countries’ ties have “reached a decisive turning point of emerging as a forward-looking defense relationship.”

One such milestone in this partnership, he said, was the expected arrival of Japanese combat troops for this year’s Balikatan exercises – a first since 1945. 

“This year’s Balikatan exercise is significant just for that fact that after 81 years, for the very first time, Japanese combat troops will be on Philippine soil once again,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan said the PCG took cues from Japan’s example “to invest in partnerships, to build capacity among like-minded nations, and to stand with countries that are on the frontlines of that oppression.” 

He thanked Japan for “not look(ing) away” from what he characterized as “repeatedly and on record attempts by China to deny our personnel our ability to exercise rights that belong to us under international law.” 

In response to these threats, Gavan noted that Japan has helped through through legal and diplomatic channels, international engagements, and concrete support to our capabilities.

He said both the Philippine and Japanese Coast Guards “must continue to speak clearly in every regional and international forum that sovereignty under international law is non-negotiable, and a free and open Indo-Pacific is not impossible.” 

Former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, meanwhile, described joint naval drills and freedom of navigation operations with like-minded nations as “actual enforcement” of the 2016 arbitral award.

He warned that China’s proposal for a “marine nature reserve” at Scarborough Shoal is a “playbook” for future naval base construction, similar to their actions at Mischief Reef. 

The former SC justice also reiterated his calls for the government to file for arbitration on the extended continental shelf, asserting that China — being more than 350 nautical miles away — could not win such a case.

At the same time, he expressed pessimism that the Philippines as ASEAN chair could advance negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, noting that the 10-member bloc “operates by consensus, and I don’t think there will be a consensus because we have ASEAN members who are very close to China.”

“And in the code of conduct, China wants the Paracel Islands to be excluded, and China and Vietnam will never sign a code of conduct that excludes the Paracels. China wants to exclude Scarborough Shoal, and we will never sign a code of conduct that excludes Scarborough Shoal,” the former justice said. 

“So it looks like there will be no code of conduct that will be signed anytime soon,” he said.

Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Davide Giglio has warned that rapidly evolving cyber threats are emerging as one of the Indo-Pacific’s most pressing security challenges, calling for stronger international cooperation to boost digital resilience.

Speaking at the seminar “Indo-Pacific: Cyber Domain as the New Frontier of Security,” Giglio stressed that cybersecurity has become a core issue in national defense planning and economic stability, not just a technical concern.

The ambassador said that amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to detect, and now demand close coordination between governments, industry, and academia. He underscored that cybersecurity today is no longer a purely technical issue but a strategic pillar of national security and economic stability.

Giglio pointed to the “very positive momentum” in defense cooperation between Italy and the Philippines, highlighting the landmark defense agreement signed on February 14 on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The pact is designed to deepen collaboration across several areas, including cybersecurity, and signals Italy’s intent to play a larger role in Indo-Pacific security.

“Cyber security requires a holistic approach that combines technical and industrial capacity, strong governance, academic engagement, and the promotion of digital literacy,” the envoy said, framing cyber resilience as a whole-of-society effort.

He warned that cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and unpredictable, targeting not only governments but also businesses and essential services. In Italy, he said, the industrial and manufacturing sector accounted for more than one-third of cyber attacks in 2025, a trend that exposes the growing vulnerability of companies, including small and medium enterprises.

To confront these risks, Italy has strengthened its cyber defense architecture through institutions such as the National Cybersecurity Agency, established in 2021 to implement the country’s national cybersecurity strategy and coordinate efforts to anticipate and counter cyber threats.

Giglio also showcased Italy’s growing capabilities in electronic warfare and defense technology, anchored in its strong industrial base and specialized small and medium enterprises. He cited Italian defense companies such as Leonardo as key players in advanced military technologies and international defense programs.

Among these initiatives is the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter jet development project jointly pursued by Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The program reflects Italy’s broader push to strengthen multi-domain defense capabilities, including in the cyber and electromagnetic spectrum.

The seminar also featured insights from Stefano Pelaggi of Sapienza University of Rome, who has extensively studied security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, particularly tensions in the Taiwan Strait and their economic implications.

Giglio said the event aimed to foster deeper discussion and collaborative efforts among partners in addressing emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, with cyberspace increasingly at the heart of strategic competition.

“The cyber dimension will be an essential part of the broader platform of cooperation that Italy and the Philippines intend to build together,” he said.

The seminar gathered policymakers, scholars, and members of the defense and diplomatic community to examine how cyber capabilities are reshaping security in the Indo-Pacific region and how international cooperation can help address emerging threats.

President Marcos had a meeting with Undersecretary of War for Policy Eldridge Colby and his delegation in New York.

The meeting focused on strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and improving interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States military through joint operations such as Exercise Balikatan, which will begin next month.

Both sides also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and to continue working together for a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Exercise Balikatan is the largest annual, bilateral military drill between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military, strengthening the alliance, enhancing interoperability, and boosting regional security.

The US Department of War is now officially the Department of Defense (DOD). Its mission is to provide military forces necessary to protect the security of the United States.

Speaking to reporters in New York, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the country intends to use a Security Council seat to promote peace and security beyond its own borders.

“Ang pagiging miyembro at mabigyan ng non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council ay hindi ibig sabihin na sariling interes lang ng Pilipinas ang ipaglalaban o madidinig na boses mula sa Pilipinas (Being a member and getting a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council doesn’t mean that the Philippines will fight only for its own interest or that voice that will be heard is only from the Philippines),” Castro said in a media briefing.

She stressed that Manila views the position as both a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to collective security among United Nations member states.

“Tayo naman ay mayroon din sariling issue patungkol sa ating kapayapaan at seguridad, hindi maiiwasan na ito ay matalakay (We have our own issue in relation to peace and security, this discussion cannot be avoided),” she said. “Pero ang Pilipinas ay hindi lang pang sarili, kundi pang kalahatan. Dahil ito ay hindi lang pribilehiyo, ito ay responsibilidad. Hindi para sa bansa lang, kung hindi para sa lahat ng bansa, especially sa Asia (But the Philippines is not only for itself, but for all. Because this is not a privilege but a responsibility. Not only for the country, but for all countries, especially in Asia).”

The Philippines is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for the 2027–2028 term, with elections scheduled for June 3, 2026 at the UN General Assembly.

As the UN’s principal body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, the Security Council oversees global peacekeeping missions, sanctions regimes, and diplomatic responses to conflicts and emerging threats.

Manila’s campaign comes as the Philippines also hosts ASEAN this year, positioning the country at the center of regional diplomacy and dialogue. Observers note that a successful bid could strengthen the Philippines’ role as a bridge between Southeast Asia and the wider international community on issues ranging from maritime security and conflict resolution to climate-related security risks.

For diplomats and business leaders monitoring geopolitical stability in the Indo-Pacific, Manila’s UNSC campaign underscores the Philippines’ intention to play a more active role in shaping global security discussions in the coming years.

“With 70 years of friendship behind us, let us make our tapestry of friendship a lasting heritage of harmony. What future generations can cherish.”

These words from Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo set the tone for an evening of remembrance and renewal as diplomats, lawmakers, and distinguished guests gathered in Manila on Tuesday to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Imperial Majesty and the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Japan friendship.

In his remarks, Endo looked back at the difficult post-war years that eventually gave way to one of the Philippines’ most enduring partnerships. He noted that “our history is marked by our commitment to peace, reconciliation, and cooperation,” recalling President Elpidio Quirino’s 1953 pardon of Japanese prisoners of war and the 1956 reparations agreement that paved the way for reconciliation and collaboration.

Today, that reconciliation has evolved into a multifaceted partnership spanning development, security, and people-to-people ties.

The ambassador underscored that “Japan has been a steadfast partner in the Philippines development through official development assistance,” citing major infrastructure projects such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway. He added that growing security cooperation—including joint exercises and official security assistance—“has also contributed to the strengthening of the Philippines defense capabilities.”

Beyond government cooperation, ties between the two nations continue to deepen through tourism and cultural exchange. Nearly 900,000 Filipino visitors traveled to Japan last year, reflecting what the envoy described as “the warmth and curiosity that strengthen our hearts.”

Endo also welcomed the Philippines’ planned participation in Green Expo 2027 in Yokohama, saying, “I look forward to the Philippines showcasing biodiversity, sustainable agricultural practices, and its natural beauty there.”

In a virtual message, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro echoed the spirit of the celebration, noting that milestones in Japan-Philippines relations are not mere historical markers but living proof of a partnership strengthened by decades of cooperation in trade, security, and regional stability.

She said Japan’s support in moments of crisis demonstrates the “true depth of character” in the relationship. As the Philippines serves as ASEAN chair this year, Lazaro added that Japan remains a steadfast partner supporting ASEAN centrality and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

The evening itself reflected the cultural warmth of the relationship. Guests enjoyed seafood, strawberries, sushi, and sake “straight from the heart of Japan,” alongside cultural performances that brought Japanese traditions to Manila.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo joined Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. at the handover ceremony, which signaled the completion of Japan’s first Official Security Assistance (OSA) project for the Philippines.

The grant was originally agreed upon during then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Manila in November 2023.

The five radar systems, now set for deployment by the Philippine Navy, are expected to significantly enhance coastal surveillance and maritime domain awareness (MDA), particularly across strategic sea lanes in the region.

Japan’s OSA is a grant aid framework that provides defense equipment, supplies, and infrastructure support to partner countries to help strengthen deterrence capabilities, promote regional stability, and maintain international peace and security.

In his remarks, Ambassador Endo emphasized that the delivery of the radar systems represents more than just equipment transfer, but a milestone in the two countries’ evolving strategic partnership.

“This occasion marks not only the transfer of critical equipment from Japan to the Philippines, but also a meaningful milestone in the steadily deepening partnership between our two countries,” the ambassador said.

He noted that the project comes at a time when the regional security environment is becoming increasingly complex, underscoring the need for closer cooperation among like-minded nations.

“At a time when the security environment is becoming increasingly complex and difficult, strategic challenges in the region serve as a clear reminder that peace and stability cannot be taken for granted. It must be actively and collectively sustained,” he said.

Once operational, the radar systems will help improve the Philippines’ capacity to monitor maritime activity and respond to potential risks.

“Once operational by the Philippine Navy, they are expected to significantly enhance the country’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) by improving the ability to monitor activities in the surrounding waters,” he said.

Endo said that stronger Philippine maritime capabilities benefit not only national defense but also the broader region, particularly in safeguarding vital sea lanes such as the South China Sea.

“Enhancing the Philippines’ maritime domain capabilities is not only an investment in Philippine security, but also a meaningful contribution to regional and global stability,” he said.

Only OSA-receiving country

The Philippines is the only country to receive Japanese OSA support for three consecutive years since the program’s launch in 2023, a sign of the high level of trust and strategic importance Tokyo places on Manila as a partner in advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

Beyond the radar systems, Japan has also approved the construction of boathouses and slipways for rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) for the Philippine Navy — the first infrastructure project under the OSA framework.

Security ties between the two countries have steadily expanded in recent years, including the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement, the conclusion of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, and increased maritime cooperative activities.

Looking ahead, Japan is expected to take on a more active role in joint military training, including the upcoming Balikatan exercises scheduled from April to May this year.

DND Secretary Teodoro, for his part, expressed gratitude for Japan’s continuing support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening defense coordination.

For Endo, the radar handover stands as a symbol of shared responsibility and a common vision for peace.

“Japan will continue to work closely with the Philippines to advance the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, where peace is sustained through cooperation and prosperity is shared by all,” he said.

According to a news release from the Department of Foreign Affairs, these agreements mark a major step, near-term milestone in bilateral relations as Manila and Abu Dhabi expand cooperation in trade, security, and sustainable development.

The imminent agreements were highlighted during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E. Saeed Bin Mubarak Al-Hajeri, held a day before the opening of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit.

Once signed, the PH-UAE CEPA will become the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country, aimed at expanding market access, boosting two-way trade, and unlocking new investment opportunities.

The defense cooperation MOU is expected to strengthen military and security ties through education and training, as well as intelligence and security cooperation.

During the meeting, Secretary Lazaro expressed appreciation for the UAE’s hosting of nearly one million Filipinos and thanked the UAE government for granting executive clemency to 403 Filipinos between 2024 and 2025.

Earlier in the day, Lazaro delivered a lecture at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, where she discussed ASEAN’s evolution as a model of regional integration anchored on the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and the ASEAN Charter. She also outlined the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2026 and underscored the UAE’s role as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

Secretary Lazaro is part of the Philippine delegation led by Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who is on a working visit to the UAE at the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aimed at further strengthening cooperation in trade, defense, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the 90th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, the President said the country’s security forces have long acted decisively to dismantle terrorist networks, secure communities, and sustain peace—gains he said should not be dismissed by unfounded speculation.

“We also reject in the strongest terms the recent misleading claims that portray our country as a training hotspot for terrorism,” President Marcos said.

“For years, we have acted decisively to dismantle terrorist networks, to secure communities, and to sustain our hard-earned peace. To dismiss these gains with unfounded speculation is not acceptable,” he added.

While acknowledging evolving global security threats, Marcos stressed the need for vigilance without allowing fear-driven narratives to undermine public confidence.

“Nevertheless, we remain vigilant. We will not let deceptive narratives distract us nor weaken our resolve,” he said.

The President also honored AFP personnel recognized during the anniversary rites, praising their courage and service. “Araw-araw na naglilingkod. Araw-araw na naninindigan. Kaya sa ngalan ng mamamayang Pilipino, maraming salamat sa inyong galing, tapang, at malasakit,” he said.

Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the military, citing his approval of Executive Order No. 107 updating the base pay of military and uniformed personnel, with increases taking effect starting January 2026 and continuing through 2028.

“This can be just one of the many ways that we show our gratitude for the service that you have rendered to our country,” he said.

The AFP was formally established on December 21, 1935 under the National Defense Act during the Commonwealth era, with roots tracing back to the Philippine Revolutionary Army of 1897 and the Philippine Constabulary formed in 1901.

The investigation highlights how corporate, political, and security interests intersect in mining areas, as it documents the deployment of Philippine Army-trained Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units (CAFGUs) to secure mining sites.

These quasi-official militias, recruited from local communities including Indigenous Peoples and former combatants, are reportedly armed and trained to operate in and around extraction zones.

Global Witness said this creates a repressive “ecosystem of violence” where corporate, political and security actors reinforce one another, placing civilians at the center of conflict.

The report comes as the European Union debates the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which could require large companies to identify and address environmental and human rights risks throughout their supply chains.

However, Global Witness warned that recent moves to weaken the directive could leave frontline communities unprotected.

“Mining doesn’t just dig into the earth; it rips through our lives. Every new mine means more forests lost, rivers turned brown, communities divided, guns and militarisation in our neighbourhoods, fish gone, rice failing. And if you dare to speak up, you could pay with your life,” said Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina.

“Who decides the price of the race to net zero – and who pays it? A transition that ignores human rights is no transition at all,” he added.

Global Witness said the findings underscore the urgent need for binding corporate accountability laws that protect communities, land defenders, and ecosystems — ensuring that the green transition does not replicate the extractive abuses of the past.