PH Students Lead Asia-Pacific at GA 2025 Awards

PH Students Lead Asia-Pacific at GA 2025 Awards

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Filipino youth once again proved they have a strong voice in global conversations, this time in the fast-evolving world of communication and artificial intelligence. At the 2025 #NextInLine Changemakers’ Recognition Competition by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA), students from the Philippines claimed three of the ten top spots in the Asia-Pacific region.

The regional winners were announced during GA’s final Hero Web Conference on December 5, highlighting how young communicators from the Philippines are helping shape discussions around ethical, purpose-driven communication in the age of AI.

What Is the #NextInLine Changemakers Competition?

The #NextInLine Changemakers’ Recognition is a global essay-writing competition that invites students and young communication practitioners to reflect on the future of the profession.

A Timely and Thought-Provoking Theme

For 2025, participants were challenged to respond to the theme:

“How Can AI-Driven Communication Transform the World? From Information to Impact: Reimagining the Future of Ethical, Purpose-Driven Communication.”

Entrants submitted original essays exploring how innovation, empathy, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence can improve how people communicate, build trust, and create meaningful impact.

In a time when AI tools are becoming part of everyday work, the competition encouraged young voices to think beyond efficiency and focus on ethics, accountability, and human-centered communication.

Filipino Changemakers Recognized in Asia-Pacific

The Philippines stood out in this year’s competition, with Khrysza Paras, Edmund Rhei Morada, and Jillian Barreiro earning recognition among the Asia-Pacific region’s most promising young communicators.

Their work placed them alongside fellow honorees from Indonesia and other parts of the region. All regional winners received a Global Alliance Certificate of Distinction, marking their ideas as standout contributions to the global dialogue on AI and communication.

For Filipino students, this recognition reflects not only individual excellence but also the growing strength of communication education and thought leadership in the country.

Praise for a New Generation of Ethical Communicators

Ana Pista, APR, Chair of GA’s Student and Young Practitioners Month (SYPM) 2025, shared high praise for the winners.

She noted that the judges were impressed by both the quality of ideas and the passion behind them. According to Pista, the essays demonstrated that the next generation of communicators understands the importance of using AI responsibly while keeping people and values at the center of their work.

This perspective is especially important as communication professionals navigate challenges around misinformation, public trust, and digital ethics.

Full List of 2025 Regional Winners

Asia-Pacific

• Khrysza Paras (Philippines)
• Edmund Rhei Morada (Philippines)
• Desak Ayu Bulan Trisna Aprilia Putri (Indonesia)
• Nabilah Azzahra Putri Bastari (Indonesia)
• Jillian Barreiro (Philippines)
• Stephanie (Indonesia)
• Priscilla Audric Kanabi (Indonesia)
• Syfa Aulia Manezha (Indonesia)
• Mumtaaz Qadhifa (Indonesia)
• Adinda Silvia Maharani (Indonesia)

Africa

• Aromaradu Salahudeen Salihu (Nigeria)
• Azeez Sulaiman (Nigeria)
• Benaja Nkemzikann (Cameroon)
• Daryl Tchabat (Cameroon)
• Elvis Miba Pengou (Cameroon)
• Emmanuel Chiwila (Zambia)
• Ikwuorgu Favour Eloho (Nigeria)
• Jessica Gbedemah (South Africa)
• Venant Axel Alima (Cameroon)
• Ogunsemowo Moyinoluwa Elizabeth (Nigeria)

North America

• Amber Marthinsen (USA)

South Asia and Middle East

• Tisha Jain (India)
• Abhijit Rawat (India)
• Divyangna Mehrotra (India)
• Lamisha Akter Fiza (Bangladesh)
• Komal Iyer (India)
• Poshita Jain (India)
• Pratibha Pandey (India)
• Senjuti Paul (Bangladesh)
• Shrida Trivedi (India)
• Shrimoyee Sur (India)

Why Youth Leadership in AI Communication Matters

The #NextInLine Changemakers’ Recognition is a key initiative under GA’s annual Student and Young Practitioners Month (SYPM). The program spans GA’s six global regions and is designed to elevate youth leadership while encouraging ethical thinking in communication.

This year’s winning essays reflected a shared belief among young communicators. While AI can transform how information is created and shared, it should never replace empathy, inclusivity, and accountability.

GA emphasized that its mission is to support future leaders who see technology as a tool to amplify human values, not overshadow them.

A Proud Moment for Filipino Students

For the Philippines, the strong showing at GA 2025 is a reminder that Filipino students are not just adapting to global trends but actively helping shape them.

As AI continues to influence communication worldwide, these young changemakers represent a generation ready to lead with both innovation and integrity.

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Canon Philippines Appoints Rochelle Plata as CFO

Canon Philippines Appoints Rochelle Plata as CFO

Leadership changes do not always make loud headlines, but some appointments signal long-term impact rather than short-term buzz. Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has announced the appointment of Rochelle Plata as Assistant Director and Chief Finance Officer, a move that underscores the company’s focus on stability, strong governance, and future-ready growth.

Plata takes over the role following the retirement of Rosalia Baldorado, who concluded a distinguished career with Canon. With more than two decades of finance experience and nearly 17 years within the Canon organization, Plata steps into the position with deep institutional knowledge and a clear mandate.

Rochelle Plata is not new to Canon Philippines. She brings 22 years of experience in finance and accounting, with hands-on leadership across critical functions such as budgeting, management reporting, treasury, taxation, credit and collections, and general accounting.

Her long tenure within Canon has given her a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations, culture, and strategic priorities. This continuity is especially important at a time when businesses are navigating tighter regulations, evolving compliance standards, and increased pressure for financial transparency.

Strengthening Financial Leadership at Canon Philippines

As Assistant Director and CFO, Plata will oversee the Finance and Accounting function, playing a central role in reinforcing Canon Philippines’ financial foundation.

Focus on Data-Driven Decision Making

One of Plata’s key priorities is enhancing financial planning and analytics. This focus supports smarter, data-backed decisions across the organization, helping leadership respond more effectively to market changes and business opportunities.

In today’s competitive landscape, finance teams are no longer just record-keepers. They are strategic partners, and Canon’s direction reflects this shift.

Governance, Compliance, and Controls

Plata will also lead efforts to further strengthen financial governance, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. For multinational brands operating in the Philippines, maintaining high standards in these areas is essential not only for risk management but also for long-term credibility.

Her background in corporate governance positions her well to uphold these standards while keeping operations efficient and aligned with business goals.

Building a High-Performing Finance Team

Beyond systems and numbers, Plata’s role includes developing a high-performing finance organization. This involves streamlining operations, optimizing resource management, and continuing to invest in people development.

Strong finance leadership often works quietly in the background, but its effects are felt across the company. From smoother operations to better-supported teams, this focus creates stability that enables growth.

A Leadership Mindset Grounded in Trust and Accountability

In her statement, Plata shared her appreciation for the confidence placed in her by Canon Marketing Philippines. She emphasized her commitment to building an efficient finance organization that supports operational excellence and sustainable growth.

This mindset reflects a leadership approach centered on accountability, collaboration, and long-term value rather than short-term wins.

What This Means for Canon Philippines Moving Forward

Canon Philippines continues to operate in a dynamic business environment where agility, compliance, and financial discipline are increasingly interconnected. Appointing a CFO with deep internal experience sends a clear message of continuity and confidence.

With Plata at the financial helm, Canon is reinforcing its commitment to responsible growth, strong governance, and operational resilience.

For a brand known globally for innovation and reliability, this leadership transition ensures that the financial backbone of the organization remains just as strong.

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2026 Is the Year of the Sardine: Why This Small Fish Is Making a Big Wellness Statement

2026 Is the Year of the Sardine: Why This Small Fish Is Making a Big Wellness Statement

If there is one unexpected food trending in global wellness conversations, it is the humble sardine. The Medical Wellness Association (MWA) has officially declared 2026 as “The Year of the Sardine”, signaling a renewed focus on simple, nutrient-dense foods that support long-term health.

For Filipino households, this declaration feels especially relevant. Sardines have long been a pantry staple, valued for their affordability, versatility, and comfort-food appeal. Now, science and global wellness leaders are catching up to what many families already know.

Why the Medical Wellness Association Chose Sardines

The MWA’s announcement is rooted in growing concern over declining wellness indicators worldwide. According to Dr. Christopher Breuleux, President of the US-based Medical Wellness Association, modern diets and lifestyles are contributing to widespread metabolic issues.

Research increasingly points to metabolic health as a foundation of overall wellness. Poor metabolic health has been linked not only to Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, but also to heart disease, certain cancers, and organ dysfunction.

The solution, according to MWA, is not complicated. It starts with food choices that are nutrient-dense, accessible, and easy to integrate into daily life.

Sardines as a Metabolic Health Superfood

MWA Board Member and Faculty Member James Michael Laffety describes sardines as one of the most practical weapons against metabolic disease. They are rich in high-quality protein, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and naturally loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.

What makes sardines stand out even more is cost. Compared to many trendy superfoods, sardines remain one of the most affordable sources of complete nutrition. This makes them accessible across income levels, an important factor in improving public health.

A Trend Already Gaining Momentum

Sardines are no longer just a quiet pantry staple. They have been making headlines across social media and wellness platforms. From Instagram to X, doctors and wellness advocates have been sharing concepts like the “three-day sardine fast.”

They have also been discussed on leading global podcasts, reflecting a wider shift toward metabolic health-focused eating. According to Laffety, this growing attention is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

A Growing Global Market for Sardines

Even before the recent surge in metabolic health awareness, the sardine market was already expanding. MWA reports that the global sardine industry has been growing at an annual rate of 7.5 percent.

With increased education, awareness, and recent updates to the US Food Pyramid, the organization forecasts growth to reach double digits or more starting in 2026. For MWA, this trend represents more than market success. It signals a positive shift toward better global nutrition habits.

Mega Sardines Earns the MWA Superfood Seal

After years of reviewing the sardine category, the Medical Wellness Association awarded its prestigious “Superfood” seal to Mega Sardines in mid-2025.

The recognition was based on two key factors. First, Mega sources its sardines from the clean fishing waters of the South Pacific. Second, the brand follows a unique “catch to can in 12 hours” vertically integrated process, ensuring exceptional freshness for a canned product.

To date, Mega Sardines is the only brand worldwide to receive this distinction from the MWA.

Mega Prime Foods and the Filipino Value of Malasakit

Behind Mega Sardines is Mega Prime Foods, Inc., a Filipino company with over 50 years of history. The brand is deeply rooted in the value of Malasakit, a Filipino concept that means giving to society without expecting anything in return.

This philosophy has guided the company’s approach to food, wellness, and community impact. By embracing the MWA Superfood seal, Mega Prime Foods has taken an active role in educating consumers globally about smarter food choices.

Investing in Science and Future Wellness

Mega Prime Foods is not stopping at recognition. The company is currently developing a series of clinical studies, supported by major universities, to further explore how food choices affect metabolic health.

For Michelle Tiu Lim Chan, CEO of Mega Prime Foods, this milestone reflects decades of purpose-driven work.

She shares that the Superfood seal represents the culmination of a mission started by her parents. One that focuses on providing high-quality, high-value food to consumers in the Philippines and around the world. She sees it not as an endpoint, but as a commitment to continue this work for generations to come.

Why “The Year of the Sardine” Matters to Filipino Homes

For many Filipinos, sardines are already part of everyday meals. From quick breakfasts to comforting ulam during busy weekdays, they are familiar, reliable, and nourishing.

The MWA’s declaration simply reframes sardines as what they truly are. A globally recognized superfood that fits perfectly into Filipino lifestyles. Affordable, nutritious, and easy to prepare, sardines prove that better health does not always require expensive or complicated solutions.

As 2026 approaches, the message is clear. Sometimes, the smartest wellness choices are already sitting on your pantry shelf.

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Common Branding Mistakes Small Businesses Make

Common Branding Mistakes Small Businesses Make

Monday, January 19, 2026

Branding is not just about having a logo or choosing brand colors. For small businesses, branding is often the difference between being remembered or being overlooked. Yet many entrepreneurs unintentionally weaken their brand before it even has the chance to grow.

Whether you are running an online shop, a neighborhood café, a service-based business, or a growing startup, understanding common branding mistakes can save you time, money, and credibility.

This guide breaks down the most frequent branding missteps small businesses make and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

Why Branding Matters More Than Ever for Small Businesses

In today’s highly competitive and digital-first economy, consumers are overwhelmed with choices. Customers are more discerning, more connected, and more influenced by perception than ever before.

A strong brand:

• Builds trust and familiarity
• Communicates professionalism
• Differentiates you from competitors
• Supports long-term growth

Without a clear and consistent brand, even great products and services struggle to gain traction.

Mistake #1: Not Having a Clear Brand Identity

One of the biggest branding mistakes small businesses make is skipping the foundational work. Many start selling before defining who they are as a brand.

What this looks like

• Inconsistent messaging across platforms
• Confusing visuals and tone
• No clear value proposition

Customers should immediately understand what your business stands for, who it serves, and why it exists.

How to avoid it

Define your brand identity early by answering these questions:

1. Who is your ideal customer?
2. What problem do you solve?
3. What values guide your business?
4. How do you want customers to feel when they interact with your brand?

For example, a sustainable fashion brand should clearly communicate its advocacy, craftsmanship, and ethical values, not just showcase products.

Mistake #2: Inconsistent Visual Branding

Using different logos, fonts, colors, or styles across Facebook, Instagram, packaging, and websites creates confusion and weakens recall.

Why consistency matters

Brand consistency increases recognition and trust. If your visuals look unpolished or mismatched, customers may question your professionalism.

How to avoid it

Create a simple brand style guide that includes:

• Logo usage rules
• Brand colors
• Font styles
• Photo and design style

You do not need an expensive agency to do this. Even a basic guide ensures your brand looks cohesive across Shopee, Lazada, social media, and offline materials.

Mistake #3: Copying Competitors Instead of Standing Out

Many small businesses look at competitors and try to imitate what seems to work. While market research is important, copying dilutes your uniqueness.

Why this hurts your brand

If you sound and look like everyone else, customers have no reason to choose you. Price becomes the only differentiator, which is not sustainable.

How to avoid it

Study competitors to understand gaps, not templates to copy. Identify:

• What they are missing
• What customers complain about
• Where you can offer a better experience

For instance, if most local cafés focus only on aesthetics, your brand could stand out by emphasizing community, affordability, or locally-sourced ingredients.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Brand Voice and Storytelling

Branding is not only visual. Your words matter just as much.

Many businesses post randomly without a consistent tone or message, resulting in disconnected communication.

Why brand voice matters

A clear brand voice builds personality and emotional connection. Filipino audiences respond well to brands that feel relatable, authentic, and human.

How to avoid it

Decide how your brand speaks:

• Friendly and conversational
• Professional and authoritative
• Warm and community-driven

Stick to that tone across captions, emails, website copy, and customer service responses. Share your story, your journey, and your values instead of only selling.

Mistake #5: Trying to Appeal to Everyone

When you target everyone, you resonate with no one. This is a common trap for small businesses afraid of limiting their market.

Why this backfires

Broad messaging feels generic. Customers want brands that understand their specific needs and lifestyle.

How to avoid it

Narrow your focus. A brand that speaks directly to:

• Busy working moms
• Young professionals
• Budget-conscious Filipino families

will perform better than one that tries to please all demographics. Clarity attracts the right customers and builds stronger loyalty.

Mistake #6: Underestimating Digital Branding

Social media is often the first touchpoint between a brand and a customer. Poor digital branding can instantly turn people away.

Common digital branding errors

• Low-quality visuals
• Inactive or inconsistent posting
• No clear call to action

How to avoid it

Treat your online presence as a storefront. Invest time in:

• Clean visuals
• Clear bio descriptions
• Consistent posting schedules
• Helpful and value-driven content

Even small improvements can significantly boost credibility.

Mistake #7: Not Evolving the Brand Over Time

Some businesses stick to outdated branding even as their market, offerings, and audience evolve.

Why this is risky

What worked five years ago may no longer resonate today. Brands must adapt to changing consumer behavior and trends.

How to avoid it

Regularly review your branding:

• Does it still reflect your business direction?
• Does it appeal to your current audience?
• Does it feel modern and relevant?

Brand evolution does not mean starting over. Sometimes, small refinements are enough.

Strong Branding Is a Long-Term Investment

Branding is not a one-time task. It is an ongoing process that grows with your business. For  small business owners, a clear and authentic brand can open doors to customer loyalty, partnerships, and long-term success.

Avoiding these common branding mistakes allows your business to compete not just on price, but on trust, value, and connection.

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MediaTek Unveils Filogic 8000 Series for Wi-Fi 8

MediaTek Unveils Filogic 8000 Series for Wi-Fi 8

Sunday, January 18, 2026

The future of wireless connectivity just got faster and smarter. MediaTek introduced its Filogic 8000 family at CES 2026, positioning the company at the forefront of the emerging Wi-Fi 8 ecosystem. This next-generation technology promises ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity across a wide range of devices, from smartphones, laptops, and TVs to streaming devices, IoT products, and AI-driven applications.

As more devices go online, wireless networks face increasing congestion, interference, and delays. Wi-Fi 8 aims to tackle these challenges head-on, delivering robust connectivity, better bandwidth, and enhanced power efficiency. For users, this translates to smoother streaming, faster downloads, and a more responsive experience for latency-sensitive applications like cloud gaming, XR, and industrial automation.

Four Pillars of Wi-Fi 8 Innovation

Wi-Fi 8 isn’t just faster—it’s smarter. MediaTek has designed its Filogic 8000 family around four key areas of innovation:

Multi-AP Coordination – Technologies like Coordinated Beamforming, Coordinated Spatial Reuse, and Multi-AP Scheduling allow multiple access points to work together, reducing interference and improving overall network efficiency.

Spectrum Efficiency & Coexistence – Features such as Dynamic Subband Operation, Non-Primary Channel Access, and In-Device Coexistence help devices share crowded frequency bands more effectively, keeping connections stable even in dense environments.

Coverage & Range – Enhanced Long Range and Distributed-Tone Resource Units boost uplink performance and reduce latency, while ensuring seamless roaming so devices stay connected at the network edge.

Latency & Reliability Optimization – Smarter data rate adaptation and Aggregated PPDU techniques ensure consistent, low-latency performance, critical for real-time applications and AI-powered services.

Together, these improvements make Wi-Fi 8 a scalable, future-ready platform capable of handling high-density, high-performance wireless networks.

Industry Leaders Recognize MediaTek’s Leadership

Wi-Fi Alliance President and CEO Kevin Robinson highlighted MediaTek’s role in shaping the next generation of wireless technology:

“Emerging applications demand greater reliability, efficiency, and performance. MediaTek exemplifies the momentum of our industry by leading in Wi-Fi 8 development. Their contributions will ensure global connectivity is ready for ultra-reliable, multi-gigabit experiences.”

Alan Hsu, Corporate Vice President and GM of MediaTek’s Intelligent Connectivity Business Unit, emphasized the company’s commitment:

“We are pioneering Wi-Fi 8 across gateways and client devices. Our CES demonstrations showcase MediaTek’s leadership in next-generation wireless technology and our dedication to delivering robust connectivity for AI-driven applications and latency-critical scenarios.”

Partner Support and Real-World Applications

MediaTek isn’t working alone. With partners such as Deutsche Telekom, Airties, SoftAtHome, Zyxel, and others, the Filogic 8000 series is poised to power a wide array of devices and smart applications. Over 2 billion connected devices shipped annually highlight MediaTek’s global reach and influence in the wireless market.

Industry leaders praised the innovation:

Anindya Chakraborty, RUCKUS Networks – “MediaTek continues to exceed expectations for wireless connectivity.”

Nobuhiro Tamura, Buffalo Inc. – “Wi-Fi 8 opens new possibilities for seamless connectivity across homes and businesses.”

Shipsheep Cheng, HP – “MediaTek is shaping the future of work with reliable, connected experiences.”

Rangoon Chang, ASUS – “We look forward to exploring new connectivity possibilities with MediaTek.”

James Lin, Acer Inc. – “Filogic 8000 prepares Wi-Fi 8 for market availability next year with enhanced reliability.”

Additional endorsements from Korea Telecom (KT), Adtran, Arcadyan, and Foxconn reinforce MediaTek’s industry-leading position and its pivotal role in advancing Wi-Fi technology.

The Road Ahead for Wi-Fi 8

The Filogic 8000 series targets premium and flagship devices, with the first chipsets expected to reach customers later this year. With Wi-Fi 8, MediaTek is preparing networks and devices for a future where AI applications, cloud gaming, XR experiences, and IoT connectivity require uninterrupted, high-performance wireless connections.

From improving network efficiency and coverage to enabling ultra-low-latency performance, MediaTek’s Wi-Fi 8 solutions represent the next step in future-ready wireless ecosystems—making everyday connectivity faster, smarter, and more reliable than ever before.

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Fastly Appoints Rachel Ler as Area VP for Asia Growth

Fastly Appoints Rachel Ler as Area VP for Asia Growth

Global edge cloud platform Fastly is doubling down on its Asia expansion with the appointment of Rachel Ler as Area Vice President of Asia, signaling a stronger push into one of the world’s most dynamic digital regions.

Announced on January 13, 2026, Ler’s new role puts her in charge of Fastly’s business across ASEAN countries, the Greater China region, and South Korea. Her mandate focuses on accelerating growth, strengthening customer and partner relationships, and advancing Fastly’s long-term expansion strategy across Asia’s fast-evolving digital markets.

Why Asia Is a Key Focus for Fastly

Asia continues to be one of the most diverse and high-growth regions for digital services. With businesses racing to modernize platforms, secure applications, and deliver faster online experiences, demand for reliable edge cloud solutions is growing rapidly.

Fastly’s leadership sees regional proximity and market understanding as critical to meeting these needs.

According to Nicola Gerber, Vice President for Asia Pacific and Japan at Fastly, Ler’s appointment reinforces the company’s commitment to bringing the Fastly experience closer to customers across the region.

“The Asia region is one of the most diverse and dynamic markets in the world, spanning ASEAN countries, South Korea, and the Greater China region,” Gerber shared. She emphasized that localization, regional expertise, and customer proximity are central pillars of Fastly’s Asia Pacific and Japan expansion strategy.

With Ler’s background in building and leading high-performing teams across Asia Pacific, Fastly expects to deepen its regional footprint while delivering more tailored solutions to customers.

A Leader with Deep APAC Experience

Rachel Ler brings more than 20 years of experience in enterprise technology and regional leadership across Asia Pacific. Prior to joining Fastly, she held senior leadership roles at Commvault and Versa Networks, where she helped drive sustainable growth through customer-centric strategies, solution innovation, and strong partner ecosystems.

Her experience spans multiple APAC markets, giving her a strong understanding of how to scale go-to-market strategies while respecting the unique needs of each country.

This background positions Ler well to lead Fastly’s next phase of growth in Asia, where businesses range from digital-first startups to large enterprises modernizing complex infrastructures.

What Ler’s Role Means for the Philippines and ASEAN

For markets like the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Ler’s appointment highlights Fastly’s intention to invest further in localized leadership and support.

Under her leadership, Fastly aims to help customers modernize their digital platforms, improve application security, and deliver low-latency digital experiences closer to end users. This includes supporting businesses as they prepare for AI-ready infrastructure and increasing demands for speed, reliability, and security.

By strengthening leadership across Asia, Fastly is positioning itself as a long-term partner for organizations navigating digital transformation in the region.

Driving Edge Cloud Innovation at Scale

Ler will work closely with Gerber and Fastly’s global leadership team to advance the company’s broader strategy around edge cloud innovation, international growth, and next-generation digital infrastructure.

This includes enabling customers across ASEAN, South Korea, and the Greater China region to build faster, safer, and more resilient online experiences. With rising digital expectations across Asia, Fastly’s focus on performance and proximity becomes even more relevant.

A Shared Vision for a Faster, Safer Internet

For Ler, joining Fastly is as much about values as it is about technology.

“What excites me most about joining Fastly is its authenticity and its passion for building a faster, safer and more engaging internet,” she shared. Ler noted that digital expectations across Asia are rising quickly, and customers are looking for partners who are deeply invested in delivering secure and high-performance experiences.

She added that she is energized by the opportunity to bring Fastly’s engineering strength and customer-focused mindset to the region, and to help organizations make a meaningful impact through better digital experiences.

What This Signals for Fastly’s Asia Strategy

Ler’s appointment underscores Fastly’s continued investment in regional leadership as part of its long-term Asia strategy. By combining localized expertise with global technology capabilities, the company aims to better serve customers in markets that are rapidly shaping the future of the digital economy.

For Asia, and especially for growing digital markets like the Philippines, this move signals greater access to advanced edge cloud solutions designed to keep pace with rising user expectations.

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PH Leads Asia Talks on Large-Scale Ocean Protection

PH Leads Asia Talks on Large-Scale Ocean Protection

As the global race to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030 gains momentum, the Philippines is stepping into a leadership role in Asia’s marine conservation efforts. Recently, Iloilo City played host to the Asia Regional Large-Scale Marine Protected Area (LSMPA) Workshop, bringing together conservation leaders, scientists, policymakers, and community advocates from across the region.

The two-day workshop was organized by the Zoological Society of London Philippines (ZSL Philippines) in partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance (BNA), alongside regional partners from government, academe, and non-government organizations. At its core, the gathering focused on one shared goal: how Asia can protect its oceans at scale through science-based and community-driven approaches.

Why Large-Scale Marine Protection Matters

Asia is home to some of the most diverse and productive marine ecosystems in the world. From coral reefs and mangroves to deep-sea habitats, these waters support food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity for millions of people.

According to Laure Katz, Executive Director of the Blue Nature Alliance, Asia has long led the way in nearshore marine protection. The challenge now is extending conservation beyond the traditional 12 nautical miles and into offshore waters, where threats such as illegal fishing and climate change are becoming more pronounced.

The workshop tackled this challenge head-on by exploring how science, policy, and community engagement can work together to make large-scale marine protection more achievable and effective.

A Regional Exchange of Ideas and Solutions

Co-hosted by Big Ocean, a peer-learning network created by and for managers of large-scale marine areas, the workshop gathered participants from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands.

With technical and financial support from the Alliance, discussions covered a wide range of issues affecting marine protection in Asia. These included governance gaps, climate-related impacts, pollution, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, sea-level rise, and the complexities of transboundary conservation.

Beyond identifying challenges, participants also worked toward solutions. The workshop laid the groundwork for an Asia Regional LSMPA Community of Practice and began shaping a regional roadmap for large-scale marine conservation.

Collaboration as the Key to 30x30

One of the strongest messages to emerge from the workshop was the importance of collaboration. Conservation at this scale requires coordination across countries, sectors, and communities.

“The Blue Nature Alliance is working with over 130 partners globally to advance ocean conservation in 5 percent of the world’s ocean as a significant contribution to the global 30x30 goal,” Katz shared.

Participants agreed that marine conservation efforts must align with food security objectives, particularly in regions where fishing supports millions of livelihoods. They also emphasized the need for long-term and equitable financing mechanisms backed by government support, better alignment of ocean-related policies, and stronger public participation in conservation initiatives.

These shared insights highlight Asia’s growing capacity to innovate and lead when it comes to protecting marine ecosystems.

Asia’s Potential to Lead the Next Wave of Ocean Protection

For Naiʻa Lewis, Director of Big Ocean, the region holds enormous potential.

“The potential for Asia is huge,” Lewis said. “It can be a trailblazer, creating a ‘Big Ocean 2.0,’ leading the second wave of large-scale protection, and showing the world that fisheries, food security, and conservation can be addressed together.”

This vision resonated strongly throughout the workshop, especially as countries shared lessons learned from existing marine protected areas and explored ways to scale up what works.

Philippine Rise as a Flagship Conservation Effort

One of the most ambitious initiatives discussed during the workshop was the proposed Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area. Implemented by ZSL Philippines in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Fisheries Management Area 1, and the Blue Nature Alliance, the proposed area would cover around 150,000 square kilometers.

This represents approximately 7.5 percent of Philippine waters, potentially making it the largest single marine protected area in Asia. Beyond protecting biodiversity, the initiative aims to support long-term food security by ensuring healthier and more resilient marine ecosystems.

“The thinking around marine protected areas has long been at a much smaller scale,” said Edwina Garchitorena, Country Director of ZSL Philippines. She acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in terms of community understanding and governance alignment, but emphasized that the long-term impact makes the effort worthwhile.

From Commitment to Action

The workshop also highlighted a growing shift across Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia, where governments are beginning to translate conservation commitments into concrete action.

According to Katz, the movement toward large-scale protection is gaining momentum, supported by comprehensive solutions that address both nearshore and offshore ecosystems.

For participants, the workshop was not just a meeting, but the start of a longer journey.

“The Asia Regional LSMPA Workshop is the beginning of a meaningful journey to inspire bold action for marine protection for the benefit of people and nature,” Katz said.

Building a Collective Future for Asia’s Oceans

As climate change and human pressures continue to threaten marine ecosystems, initiatives like the Asia Regional LSMPA Workshop show that large-scale ocean protection is not only possible but increasingly necessary.

ZSL Philippines, together with the Blue Nature Alliance, Big Ocean, and regional partners, will continue working to strengthen marine governance and mobilize collective action toward achieving the global 30x30 ocean protection target.

For the Philippines, hosting this regional dialogue reinforces its growing role as a leader in ocean conservation, proving that protecting marine life and securing food for future generations can go hand in hand.

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