The FVR Legacy Initiative and the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement jointly organized the first-ever roundtable discussions on the Philippine Blue Economy, marking a significant maritime future for the country. Taking off from existing legislative initiatives in the Philippine Blue Economy, the discussions convened experts and key stakeholders from various economic sectors. The discussions were aimed at providing inputs to the development of a national framework and action plan to achieve the objectives of the Philippine Blue Economy –protection of our marine and coastal resources while enhancing its potential contribution to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Held on March 18, 2025, the roundtable discussions culminated in a plenary session on March 19, 2025 where highlights from the workshops were presented. TESDA Director General Jose Francisco B. Benitez, PhD, author of the Blue Economy Act or House Bill 69, delivered the Keynote Speech. The workshop outputs and recommendations were handed over to the Guest of Honor, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin who is also the Chairman of the National Maritime Council. <div style="display: flex; justify-content:center; margin-bottom: 2rem;"> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GbWgyOU1GcM?si=tYX0_IT9eaSW4rn0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> </div> <div style="display: flex; justify-content:center; margin-bottom: 2rem;"> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KWj6gM2QR58?si=WYndMur_ml6T3A-v" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> </div> <div style="display: flex; justify-content:center;"> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L17OwGGZErE?si=Ip0IuF2Wx-WUbVc9" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> </div>
