The Philippines and Palau have agreed to strengthen cooperation across key sectors, including maritime security, labor, health, and education, following a high-level meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr on February 24.
In a joint press conference at Malacañang Palace on February 24, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to supporting Palau’s renewable energy and construction industries. He highlighted Philippine companies’ ability to provide cost-effective, high-quality materials for infrastructure projects.
The two nations also pledged to continue discussions on maritime boundary delimitation, as Palau, located 400 nautical miles southwest of the Philippines, has yet to finalize its shared borders with Manila.
“On maritime cooperation, we committed to continue our dialogue on maritime boundary delimitation,” Marcos said.
“We have also discussed the framework of our fisheries cooperation to improve our fishing and aquaculture sectors through the sharing of best practices and technologies, capacity-building initiatives as well, development of fisheries infrastructure, [and] cooperation for international market compliance.”
“This agreement also signals our common desire to ensure sustainability in our life-giving waters,” he added.
Whipps echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges.
“We are stronger together, and I think now, more important than ever, we must collaborate in navigating the geopolitical issues and pressures that we face, especially the existential threat that we face, which is climate change,” Whipps said.
To formalize their commitment, the two countries signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and one diplomatic note. The first MoU establishes a mechanism for their foreign agencies to discuss bilateral and regional cooperation, while the second focuses on fisheries cooperation, promoting sustainable development, joint research, and the prevention of illegal fishing.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic note will facilitate study visits for Palauan officials to explore Philippine agriculture and fishing facilities.
Marcos and Whipps also vowed to work together on marine conservation and tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Palau’s Ministry of Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Environment signed an agreement to promote fishing ventures and develop infrastructure to safeguard marine resources.
Labor, health, and education partnerships
Marcos expressed optimism about finalizing a bilateral labor cooperation agreement that would protect the rights and welfare of more than 4,000 Filipino workers in Palau. The agreement includes a Social Security Agreement ensuring their access to social benefits.
The two nations also explored strengthening ties in healthcare and technical education, particularly in human resource development. Plans include study visits from Palau to the Philippines, focusing on agriculture and health.
Moreover, both countries recognized the importance of tourism and improved air connectivity in fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.
On a broader level, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ dedication to being Palau’s trusted partner, innovative pathfinder, and dedicated peacebuilder. “I look forward to advancing initiatives with Palau that will help achieve a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for our region,” he said.
The Philippines also pledged to work closely with fellow Pacific nations to shape the region’s future.
“I have agreed to continue consultations and engagements between our two governments in the spirit of our long-standing friendship and Pacific kinship and in pursuit of our common vision of peace, prosperity, and progress for the peoples of our region,” Marcos added.
In 2027, the Philippines and Palau will mark the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, a milestone that underscores their deepening partnership.
Strengthening economic ties
Highlighting the growing economic relationship between the two nations, Marcos noted that trade between the Philippines and Palau continues to expand, opening doors for further investments.
“Our growing trade relations are an undeniable indicator of meaningful opportunities in Philippines-Palau economic relations,” he said.
For his part, Whipps encouraged Filipino businesses to invest in Palau, emphasizing opportunities in agriculture and healthcare.
“We are here, of course, to further strengthen that bond in agriculture and healthcare, and provide business opportunities. And we encourage Filipinos to invest in Palau,” he said.
During his two-day visit to the Philippines, Whipps engaged in discussions on fisheries, trade, investment, and labor — reinforcing the long-standing ties between the two Pacific neighbors.
Photo credit: Presidential Communications Office. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (right) and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr (left) agree to deepen bilateral ties through key agreements on policy consultations and fisheries cooperation during the latter’s two-day official visit to Manila on February 23 to 24, 2025.
