ABOUT balikBALANGAY

The balikBalangay, is a non-stock, non-profit conservation organization in the Philippines focusing on the marine environment and resources. It is registered with the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The organization is composed of a committed group of professionals with significant years of experience in marine governance.​

                                                            THE STRUCTURE

 
balikBalangay Inc. has two key components - a "think tank", the Center for Archipelagic and Regional Sea Law and Policy Studies, and the implementing arm, Oceanfriends which together provide advisory and also implementing capacity for clients.

                                                            THE REGION OF OUR FOCUS

The seas of Southeast Asia that includes the South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Java and Celebes seas, and the Gulf of Thailand are the maritime bridges that linked and unified the Malayo-Polynesian tribal communities in the region through trade and commerce for thousands of years… since time immemorial.
 
Fast forward to the 21st Century and the advent of the Asian Century, it is timely and symbolic to recollect the ancient Balangay regional maritime communications. This awareness could be relevant to the redesign and modernization of our regional maritime governance that can also help alleviate the current rising tension and hostility in these waters. A hark back to the Balangay era would be the reminder of  a strong cultural, commercial and historical ties among the peoples in the region living and sharing the benefits of peaceful enjoyment of the abundant marine resources and trade among them. It is generally conceded that any conflict situation in the seas of maritime Asia can adversely affect the course of the Asian Century and hamper global economic recovery. This is the essence attached to the name balikBalangay, translated “a return to the era of the Balangay”.