The Blue Economy Annual Trade and Conference (Beacon) Expo was a three-day event held from September 29 to October 1 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. The event focused on promoting the protection of the marine environment while fostering a sustainable blue economy. It opened with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting attended by distinguished leaders from government, industry, and diplomatic circles, including Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres Centino, Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Vice Admiral Eduardo Santos AFP (Ret.), and Greece’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Ioannis Pediotis. Throughout the three days, the expo served as a premier platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange in sectors such as maritime transportation, shipbuilding, naval defense, renewable energy, and marine environmental development. It featured static displays, technical presentations, symposiums on maritime defense and security, and industry insights from local and international experts.
Tourism Secretary Frasco underscored the Philippines’ deep-seated maritime heritage and its shared responsibility to safeguard its waters. She pointed out the country’s rich biodiversity, being one of only 18 mega-biodiverse countries globally, home to over 500 coral species and more than 2,000 fish species. Frasco emphasized that protecting these resources is both an environmental duty and an economic imperative, as they underpin tourism and future maritime development. Meanwhile, Secretary Centino addressed the challenges faced in the maritime domain, notably foreign intrusion into domestic waters. He outlined government efforts to counter these threats through sustained patrols, increased presence in contested areas, and strengthened collaborations with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and international partners.
The event, themed “Protecting the Ocean: A Catalyst for a Sustainable Blue Economy,” aimed to serve as a premier platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange across industries such as maritime transportation, shipbuilding, naval defense, renewable energy, and marine environmental development. It featured static displays from both local and international industries, a maritime defense and security symposium, technical presentations, and insights from industry leaders across the manning, shipbuilding, defense, and energy sectors.
Adding to the vibrant activities, on September 30, 2025, at 7 PM, a special highlight took place at Casa Ibarra MOA in Pasay City—the inaugural “BLUE RUNWAY,” the first-ever Maritime Tourism Fashion Show. This stylish event showcased “FASHION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BLUE ECONOMY,” emphasizing sustainability and innovation in marine-inspired fashion. Attendees had the opportunity to explore how fashion can contribute to environmental awareness and marine conservation efforts. The show featured celebrity guests such as Jim and James Salas, the iconic twin dancers from the 90s known for their dynamic performances with Universal Motion, and Iya Galo, the CEO of BeautyWise. The “Blue Runway” was a grand celebration of style inspired by the sea, where elegance met maritime artistry. It was a unique occasion where fashion and the future of our oceans intersected, leaving an enduring mark on all who attended.
Furthermore, a key co-located event at BEACON 2025 was the PHILSHIPCON EXPO & CONFERENCE 2025—the Philippine Hub for Integrated Logistics, Shipping, and Shipbuilding Industry Platform. This premier event brought together leaders and innovators from the overseas and domestic shipping industries, as well as key players in the Philippine shipbuilding and repair sector. As a national platform for maritime progress, PHILSHIPCON aimed to advance the country’s logistics capabilities, promote world-class shipbuilding excellence, and drive industry modernization through collaboration, policy dialogue, and investment partnerships. This added dimension reinforced the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening its maritime industry and fostering sustainable growth in shipping and shipbuilding sectors.
On the third day of BEACON 2025, the event was further enriched by the participation of distinguished dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, H.E. Kazuya Endo, and Senior Undersecretary of National Defense, Irineo C. Espino. Their presence underscored the importance of international cooperation and defense collaboration in advancing the goals of the Blue Economy. Leaders gathered to discuss strategic partnerships, maritime security, and sustainable development initiatives, emphasizing the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening alliances and fostering regional stability in the maritime domain. These high-level engagements complemented the ongoing discussions and activities, demonstrating a unified effort among nations and sectors to protect and harness the potential of our oceans for future generations.
The Manning Expo featured a job fair and discussions focusing on the future of Filipino seafarers, including innovations, best practices, and policy initiatives aimed at sustainability. Cacdac shared personal stories of seafarers who recently received government assistance, highlighting the importance of ongoing support systems. Furthermore, he announced the Philippines’ leadership in advancing the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being, which was endorsed by 14 nations, including Germany, Norway, and the UK. This declaration builds upon existing reforms such as the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers and other regulatory enhancements, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting migrant workers at sea and at home. Renowned globally for their discipline, resilience, and proficiency in English, Filipino seafarers continue to be regarded as among the most skilled and dependable in the maritime industry, making the Philippines a key player in global maritime trade.
BEACON EXPO 2025 successfully showcased the Philippines’ never-ending commitment to advancing a sustainable and resilient blue economy. Through collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and cultural initiatives like the Blue Runway fashion show, the event highlighted the importance of protecting marine resources while fostering economic growth and industry modernization. As a platform for knowledge exchange and partnership-building, BEACON 2025 reinforced the Philippines’ position as a key player in global maritime development, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future for its marine and maritime sectors.