As the Philippines moves to unlock its 178 GW offshore wind potential, the Philippines-UK PACT Fund is helping to strengthen institutional frameworks for Marine Spatial Planning.
As part of the United Kingdom’s continued commitment to supporting the Philippines in accelerating its offshore wind (OSW) development, the Philippines-UK PACT Fund facilitated a strategic study visit to the United Kingdom from 4-8 August 2025. The delegation comprised senior government officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), and the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR).
The visit provided a platform for Philippine agencies to engage directly with UK government counterparts overseeing the implementation of the UK’s Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework. Through technical exchanges, site visits, and policy dialogues, the delegation gained first hand insights into how the UK’s mature MSP system enables offshore wind deployment while balancing environmental protection, maritime industries, and coastal community interests.
Beyond serving as a knowledge exchange, the study strengthened institutional capacity for MSP development in the Philippines.
Key outcomes included:
| 1. The formal establishment of the MSP Technical Working Group, marking a major milestone in advancing coordinated, multi-agency governance of the Philippines’ marine spaces; and |
| 2. The facilitation of the UK Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) MSP Challenge simulation game provided participants with practical experience in conducting stakeholder engagement with cross-sectoral marine users, which is a critical component for ensuring a robust and inclusive Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process. |
The visit reaffirmed the value of the UK and Philippines working together to realise the Philippines’ 178 Gigawatt OSW potential. It laid a strong foundation for institutional capacity-building, policy innovation, and long-term cooperation, supporting the country’s transition toward a resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon energy future.
The UK’s experience in MSP served as a valuable reference point, offering practical insights for the Philippine government as it develops its own approach to marine spatial governance. This partnership highlights MSP’s dual role as both a strategic planning instrument and as a driver for sustainable blue economy growth, bolstering energy security whilst safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.
Click here to read more about Philippines-UK PACT.
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