(Eagle News) — National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon on Wednesday said that the Philippines should “develop” its own “awareness” and “research” capabilities in order to have a “better view and management of our resources.”
Esperon made the suggestion during a Senate hearing on the creation of a Benham Rise Development Authority.
The hearing took place amid reports of a Chinese vessel in Benham Rise from November last year to January, prompting the Department of Foreign Affairs to send a note verbale to China.
The Chinese foreign ministry later clarified China had no intention of challenging the Philippines’ rights over the continental shelf in Benham Rise.
President Rodrigo Duterte also noted the vessel was merely conducting research activities in the area.
“We should develop our awareness capability. Like I said, we have no industry satellites. We are dependent on other countries, our traditional allies,” Esperon said.
According to Esperon, the Philippines should also “organize” maritime scientific researches in the area so the country “will know what we really have.”
“It must not just be giving permits (to foreign entities who wish to conduct research in the area) but also being able to go with the research (groups). We must have more of our scientists. There are many brave souls in the Marine Science Institute but they need more,” he said.
“What would you do if you were invited by five research agencies and you would have no money? (You say) ‘No, we cannot join you in research,'” he added.
