THE Philippines’ maritime industry is urged to take a central role in accelerating the country’s transition to a sustainable blue economy, with a major expo in Cebu this month gathering key stakeholders from government, business and civil society to push the agenda forward.
BLUERISE2025: Sugbo Maritima Expo & Blue Economy Infrastructure Convention (SME | BEIC) will be held on June 25–27, 2025 at the IC Convention Center in Cebu City. The three-day convention aims to promote ocean-based innovation, coastal resilience and investments in the blue economy—sectors increasingly recognized as vital to the archipelagic nation’s economic future.
Organized by Full-Force MarketStrat Gateway (FMG) in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the Cebu City Government, the event is expected to convene industry leaders across maritime logistics, coastal development, marine energy, tourism, fisheries and digital infrastructure.
“The maritime industry can be a game-changer in the country’s sustainable growth. With our vast ocean resources, we must harness the blue economy to drive inclusive, climate-resilient development,” said Frances Gatungay, event director and head of FMG.
With the theme “Sustainable Seas, Thriving Communities,” BLUERISE2025 will feature an innovation-driven exhibition hall, plenary discussions on marine infrastructure and resilience, a legal seminar on the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act 12021), and a dedicated seafarers’ career fair with at least 20 companies attending.
Maritime hub
Cebu’s legacy as a maritime and trading hub—handling over 69.2 million metric tons of cargo in 2023—provides a strategic backdrop to the event, which builds on the momentum of the 2023 Cebu City Waterfront Development Summit.
“Sustainable maritime growth is no longer optional—it is essential,” said Jillian Sitchon, ECCP-Cebu branch officer. “BLUERISE2025 is a unique platform bridging private innovation and public policy toward a resilient blue economy.”
Sitchon said they want to see more maritime players in Cebu become advocates of the net-zero carbon footprint.
“We want to see the sector gain more momentum in this global movement,” she said. Sitchon added that Cebu plays a vital role, given its expanding maritime tourism industry.
The Philippines has pledged a projected 75 percent greenhouse gas emissions reduction and avoidance from 2020 to 2030, with significant contributions from the transport and energy sectors.
According to a report, the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and Manila South Harbor are spearheading decarbonization projects. MICT, for instance, targets a 26 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per container move by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. South Harbor, on the other hand, is set to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 with an intermediate target of 29 percent carbon reduction by 2030. Both facilities are investing in renewable energy, hybrid-powered cranes and digital innovations like the Terminal Appointment and Booking System to improve efficiency and lower emissions.
Blue economy
The blue economy encompasses economic activities tied to healthy oceans and coasts, including shipping, offshore renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, marine biotechnology and coastal tourism.
With climate change and marine degradation threatening food security and economic stability, integrating ocean sustainability into national development plans is now seen as imperative.
Moreover, government support for the expo includes agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Local maritime groups, including the Cebu Maritime Group and Bantay Dagat Commission, have also endorsed the event.
“As the Philippines scales up its offshore renewable energy ambitions, linkages across maritime, energy and ICT sectors are critical,” said Renante Sevilla, director of the DOE Visayas Field Office.
Sevilla said the expo will also highlight the innovative and renewable energy solutions in the energy sector.
“This isn’t just a convention,” Gatungay added. “It’s a catalyst for systemic change in how we protect, manage and grow with our oceans.” / KOC