The University of Asia and the Pacific hosted a series of high-level focus group discussions (FGDs) on “Securing the West Philippine Sea Amidst Increasing Strategic Competition: Public Opinion and Policy Options" from September 4 to 8, 2023, at the UA&P campus.

Led by Peace and Security Congressional Research Fellows (CRFs) Dr. Robin Michael Garcia of the UA&P School of Social Sciences, Law, and Governance and Prof. Herman Joseph Kraft of the University of the Philippines, in partnership with the public opinion research firm WR Numero Research, the FGDs aimed to gather data and insights that would aid the CRFs in providing Congress with well-informed, research-based advice and recommendations regarding the ongoing issue at the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

Among the five groups of respondents convened for this purpose were distinguished government officials, local executives, journalists, professors, and representatives from embassies. In attendance also was Mr. Senen Bacani, Peace and Security Senior Adviser and former Department of Agriculture Secretary, who gave the keynote address.

The FGDs tackled five themes vital to the WPS issue: diplomacy and multilateralism, Philippine foreign policy towards the WPS, the US-Philippine security alliance, the Philippines’ other options for security alliances, and the country’s national defense capabilities.

Dr. Garcia and Prof. Kraft are among the 24-person expert group convened by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and the Ateneo de Manila University to guide the House of Representatives on important public policy themes. The Peace and Security cluster aims to advise Congress on the WPS issue.

 

Prof. Herman Kraft (left) with Dr. Robin Michael Garcia.

 

SLG Dean Dr. Nick Alviar welcomed the FGD participants.

 

Prof. Cleve Arguelles, CEO of WR Numero Research, crafted the FGD questions and structure.

 

Facilitators from WR Numero Research.