RECOMMENDATION

The West Philippine Sea issue, integrally linked to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12,

poses an intricate challenge centered around responsible consumption and production. Its

complexity connects across maritime security, fisheries, food security, and environmental

sustainability in the region. In order to understand this complex matrix, a comprehensive policy

approach is imperative. Diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation serve as

foundational pillars. The Philippines must persist in advocating for a substantive Code of

Conduct between ASEAN and China while tactically leveraging alliances with nations sharing

akin values and interests (Misalucha-Willoughby, 2023; International Crisis Group, 2021).

Upholding the rule of law through the 2016 arbitral ruling is paramount, necessitating the

passage of the Maritime Zones Act and the formulation of a comprehensive legal, political,

diplomatic, and defense strategy (Misalucha-Willoughby, 2023). Public awareness and civilian

involvement emerge as critical dimensions; mainstreaming the issue and fostering awareness

about its far-reaching implications on sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and economic

relations is key. Civilian support for alliances with trusted partners enhances the societal stake in

the resolution (United States Institute of Peace, 2023). Additionally, a deliberate and

comprehensive national security strategy is indispensable, amalgamating legal, political,

diplomatic, and defense approaches to effectively manage the West Philippine Sea issue

(Amador III & Ibarra, 2016). These recommendations align with SDG 12, emphasizing

responsible governance, international cooperation, and sustainable use of marine resources to

confront the complicated challenges associated with the West Philippine Sea issue.
Citations:

[1] Misalucha-Willoughby, C. (2023, September 26). For the Philippines, Maritime Security
Goes Beyond U.S.-China Rivalry. United States Institute of Peace.
https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/09/philippines-maritime-security-goes-beyond-us-china-
rivalry

[2] International Crisis Group. (2021, December 2). The Philippines’ Dilemma: How to Manage
Tensions in the South China Sea. https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/north-east-asia/china/316-
philippines-dilemma-how-manage-tensions-south-china-sea

[3] United States Institute of Peace. (2023, October 10). Amid China Tensions, the Philippines
Relies on Alliances and Rule of Law. https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/10/amid-china-
tensions-philippines-relies-alliances-and-rule-law

[4] Amador III, J. S., & Ibarra, E. J. A. (2016, July). Deliberate, Not Desperate: The Philippines’
National Security Strategy On The West Philippine Sea. Foreign Service Institute of the
Philippines. https://fsi.gov.ph/deliberate-not-desperate-the-philippines-national-security-strategy-
on-the-west-philippine-sea/