As Tatak Mo continues to lead the digital narrative for Fireworks Exhibitions and Conferences’ landmark co-located events, Day 1 Highlights: Maritime Innovation & Clean Energy Wins took center stage in a showcase filled with high-level dialogue, research breakthroughs, and cross-sector collaboration. The two headline programs of the day—the 2nd Maritime Science and Technology (S&T) Forum under the 10th PhilMarine 2025 and the Offshore Wind Asia 2025 Conference—laid the foundation for a three-day exchange of ideas that could shape policy, sustainability, and innovation across Southeast Asia.
10th PhilMarine 2025 Day 1: 2nd Maritime S&T Forum — Accelerating Maritime Research and Innovation
Venue: Hall 1, SMX Convention Center Manila
Forum Title: 2nd Maritime S&T Forum 2025: Responsive Research and Development on Emerging Maritime Technologies
Hosted by: Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Bagong Pilipinas, and the Department of Science and Technology – PCIEERD
Opening Ceremonies and National Priorities
“We must not only conduct research for research’s sake. We must build systems, develop skills, and fund technologies that directly improve safety, sustainability, and competitiveness in our maritime sector”
The program commenced with a ceremonial opening that included the Philippine National Anthem, an invocation, and welcome messages from key officials. These included a special opening message from DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit, emphasizing the vital role of scientific research and technological development in advancing national maritime capabilities.
In her address, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted that the country’s future in shipping, defense, and marine logistics depends on how well the government and academic institutions align their research investments with real-world industrial challenges.
High-Level Panel: Aligning Strategy and Execution
A featured panel titled “Industry Perspective on DOST & MARINA Initiatives” brought together policy makers, shipyard operators, and association leaders. Panelists included:
- Dr. Enrico Paringit, Executive Director, DOST-PCIEERD
- Engr. Nonilo A. Peña, Chief, EUSDTD
- Engr. Ramon Hernandez, Director II, MARINA
- Mr. Mark Matthew Parco, President, Philippine Inter-Island Shipping Association
- Engr. Samuel Lim, Chair, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SONAME)
Topics covered included regulatory gaps, fragmented standards in shipyard operations, and the urgent need for a national technology roadmap.
Engr. Peña noted that while the Philippines has growing shipbuilding capacity, it must overcome gaps in R&D integration and access to skilled marine technologists. He proposed establishing national centers of excellence in green shipping and smart shipyard systems.
“We must bridge the gap between ideas and deployment.”
Formalizing Innovation: The Technology Transfer Agreement Signing
“This isn’t just about plotting the shortest path—it’s about data-driven safety.”
A symbolic milestone was the ceremonial signing of a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) between MARINA and the University of the Philippines’ Marine Engineering Department, specifically involving the NAVIS and MEDIANS projects. The renewal of NAVIS (Navigation and Vessel Information System) allows continued deployment of AI-assisted routing tools that support safer inter-island shipping. This moment was one of the Day 1 Highlights: Maritime Innovation & Clean Energy Wins, showcasing how academic innovation can move into national application.
“Through these tech transfers, we aim to empower Filipino engineers to innovate not just for publications, but for practical use at sea.”
Day 1 Highlights: Maritime Innovation & Clean Energy Wins – Research From Lab to Sea
Throughout the afternoon, researchers from government institutes, state universities, and the private sector shared technical briefs and progress reports. These were structured into rapid-fire 10-minute segments.
Highlights included:
- SESSY: Development of Sustainable Engine Systems for Small Yachts
- AIS: Enhanced Automatic Identification Systems for congested archipelagic routes
- NAVIS/PAROLA: Simulation of route optimization algorithms with live ship traffic overlays
- MEDIANS: Marine Engineering Digital Instrumentation Analysis Suite
- SEAWAVS: Sea-state wave modeling for vessel stability
- PORTEC: Port logistics automation tech
- iNANO: Nano-coating hull technologies for fuel savings
- FAME TRANSPONDERS: Emergency communication systems for maritime accidents
- Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants: Non-toxic lube alternatives for marine diesel engines
Presenters included young Filipino engineers, tenured professors, and a handful of startup founders with commercialization potential.
During Q&A, a recurring theme was the gap between R&D prototypes and industry-scale deployment. Participants asked whether government agencies could offer bridge funding or incentives for local shipbuilders to pilot these innovations.
“We have the talent. What we need is the runway.”
Closing Insights – Day 1 Highlights: Maritime Innovation & Clean Energy Wins
The day wrapped up with a moderated panel summarizing key learnings. Topics included:
- Encouraging private-public innovation pipelines
- Assessing the long-term viability of marine research grants
- Addressing policy blind spots in the adoption of maritime innovations
The final speaker, Engr. Nilaiza Escorial of DOST-PCIEERD, underscored that the future of Filipino maritime leadership lies not only in building bigger ships, but in building smarter systems.
“Innovation doesn’t end with a pitch deck or prototype. It continues through partnerships, pilots, and public trust.”
Offshore Wind Asia 2025 – Day 1 Forum: Scaling Clean Energy Ambitions
Venue: SMX Convention Center Manila
Theme: Offshore Wind Energy: Driving the Philippines’ Clean Energy Transition
Among the Day 1 Highlights: Maritime Innovation & Clean Energy Wins, this forum tackled how offshore wind can redefine the Philippines’ clean energy roadmap.. In the second key track of Day 1, the Offshore Wind Asia conference brought together leaders in renewable energy, engineering consultants, diplomats, and sustainability officers to discuss the future of offshore wind energy in the Philippines.
Opening Segment
Ms. Susan Tricia of Fireworks Trade Media welcomed attendees with a message focused on international cooperation and the role of expos as innovation catalysts. She was followed by H.E. Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, the Danish Ambassador to the Philippines, who provided a comparative overview of Denmark’s global leadership in offshore wind energy and its desire to support Southeast Asia’s transition.
Expert Forums and Technical Panels
The conference’s educational track included a mix of short talks and Q&A exchanges around key topics:
- Harnessing the Wind: Opportunities and Incentives for OSW Projects
Featuring Atty. Marissa P. Cerezo (DOE), this session explored the Department of Energy’s updated investment guidelines and the permitting processes for developers.
- Recognizing Stakeholder Engagement as Critical Success Factor
Ms. Ma. Corazon Dichosa (BOI) emphasized that winning public support and ensuring coastal community participation were key to successful OSW deployment.
- Instrumentation for Wind Resource Assessment
Mr. Peter Castro shared methods for ensuring that site surveys and LiDAR data are trustworthy enough to support multimillion-dollar energy projects.
- Auctions in Offshore Wind
Mr. Tung Nguyen discussed the risks and best practices in structuring energy auctions that attract credible developers while safeguarding public interest.
- Integrating ESG in Offshore Wind Projects
Engr. Job Jacob Gonzales of CREST walked the audience through ESG scoring systems and metrics used by global financing institutions.
Each of these sessions ended with vibrant discussion from both industry veterans and early-career engineers who asked questions on implementation, training, and access to international datasets.
“The Philippines can lead Asia’s OSW growth—if we invest in reliable data and local capacity.”
Why Day 1 Highlights Matter for Maritime Innovation & Clean Energy - Takeaways and Recognition
A closing segment awarded certificates of appreciation to all speakers and panelists. Tatak Mo captured interviews from some of the key contributors, which will be released in a special video feature at the end of the event week.
What’s Next: Day 2 Coverage + Co-Located Tracks
With Day 1 setting a high bar, Tatak Mo is set to provide complete digital coverage of Days 2 and 3. Highlights to watch out for include:
- Naval Defense Philippines 2025: Focus on maritime security and national defense modernization
- PhilBoating 2025: Innovation and sustainability in leisure, transport, and small craft
- Oil & Gas Philippines 2025: Exploring energy diversification, carbon management, and downstream digitalization
Our team is also launching special recaps, carousel posts, and Instagram reels featuring interviews with student participants, startup exhibitors, and visiting dignitaries.
