SUBIC, Zambales — The Philippines, through the Philippine Navy (PN), and Japan, through the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), formally opened the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security (EWG on MS) Joint Cooperative Activity (JCA) and Future Leaders’ Program (FLP) on September 21, 2026, in Subic, Zambales, aimed at strengthening multilateral maritime cooperation and promoting practical cooperation among participating countries in addressing shared maritime security and environmental challenges.

Participating navies from ASEAN Member States and Plus Partner countries come together for a week-long series of engagements, including dialogue, exchanges, cultural programs, practical cooperation, and exercises, led by the PN and JMSDF as part of their co-chairship of the EWG on MS for the 2024–2027 cycle.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr graced the opening ceremony as the guest of honor and speaker. Secretary Teodoro Jr emphasized the importance of building stronger trust, cooperation, and resilience among ASEAN Member States and Plus Partners, particularly in addressing maritime security challenges and the effects of climate change and natural disasters. He added that this collaboration contributes to security, prosperity, and resilience in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific region.

“We should always be free and open in accordance with UNCLOS and international law so that we can effectively address to save people, help communities, and make an ASEAN and Indo-Pacific that is strong, prosperous, and resilient,” Secretary Teodoro Jr said.

The JCA and FLP take place from September 20 to 26, 2026, featuring a series of harbor and at-sea activities that provide opportunities for participating countries to further enhance interoperability, exchange knowledge and best practices, and strengthen practical cooperation in the maritime domain.

The Philippine Navy remains committed to strengthening interoperability with regional and international partners, sustaining meaningful maritime dialogue, enhancing maritime security cooperation, and fostering partnerships that contribute to a secure, stable, and resilient maritime environment. (Philippine Navy Press Release)

TOP Photo || Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro Jr poses for a photo with Philippine Navy leaders, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force officials, and delegates from ASEAN Member countries and Plus partners during the during the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security (EWG on MS) Joint Cooperative Activity (JCA) and Future Leaders’ Program (FLP) in Subic, Zambales, September 21, 2026.