UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra used a visit to Manila on 5 March to anchor an environment-and-growth agenda in the UK–Philippines relationship. Marking 80 years of diplomatic ties and coinciding with the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship, the trip paired security talks with fresh momentum on ocean protection and a practical ‘blue economy’ push. (gov.uk)

Talks at the third UK–Philippines Strategic Dialogue revisited the Joint Framework for the Enhanced Partnership signed in March 2025 and mapped next steps on trade, security and climate. Officials also pointed to the UK–Philippines Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), which opens pathways to up to £5 billion in UK Export Finance for projects that can include resilient, sustainable infrastructure. (gov.uk)

Ocean cooperation featured heavily. The UK highlighted new support channels already in motion: the Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) programme under the £500 million Blue Planet Fund, and the ASEAN–UK EnCORE Wetlands project with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity-both designed to protect mangroves, seagrass and coastal livelihoods while attracting green investment. The UK’s Nature Envoy Ruth Davis flagged these priorities during a September 2025 visit. (gov.uk)

The timing matters: the UN High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) entered into force on 17 January 2026, giving countries the legal tools to establish marine protected areas on the high seas, share benefits from marine genetic resources and build capacity. UK–Philippine cooperation now shifts from advocacy to delivery ahead of the first treaty COP expected within a year. Sources: European Commission and High Seas Alliance. (oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu)

Domestic policy in Manila is moving too. The Senate passed a Blue Economy Bill in August 2024 and the House approved its version in December 2025, laying the groundwork for integrated ocean governance, marine spatial planning and blue carbon protection once a reconciled act is finalised. Business groups have backed the push for its investment signal. (web.senate.gov.ph)

Plastic pollution is a priority area for joint delivery. The World Bank estimates the Philippines generates around 2.7 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with roughly one-fifth leaking into the ocean. In March 2025, the UN Development Programme and the Philippine government launched the National Plastic Action Partnership to accelerate circular-economy reforms-creating a practical entry point for UK technical and finance support. (worldbank.org)

Clean energy is another lever for blue jobs. The World Bank and the Department of Energy estimate 178 GW of technical offshore wind potential-enough to transform the power mix with the right ports, grids and permitting. A recent UK–PACT Letter of Intent with the Department of Energy targets offshore wind readiness and island microgrids, strengthening energy resilience for coastal communities. (worldbank.org)

Maritime security links were also in focus, with Malhotra visiting the Philippine Coast Guard. Better maritime domain awareness helps deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and supports safer passage for coastal trade-creating the security conditions required for sustainable fisheries and marine tourism to thrive. (gov.uk)

What to watch next: proposals for high seas protected areas as the BBNJ regime beds in; Philippine lawmakers’ final steps on a Blue Economy Act; and new UK-backed projects on wetlands restoration, port waste reception and coastal adaptation that turn policy into outcomes in 2026. The European Commission notes a first BBNJ COP is due within a year of entry into force, setting a near-term clock for delivery. (oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu)