A RESEARCH ON:

Assessing the Direct Correlation

between the

Geographical Features of the Philippines and Port Security:

Vulnerabilities and Resilience

1
 INTRODUCTION:

Background of the Research

The Philippine archipelago is composed of about 7,107 separate islands (7,106 during high tide)

and lies strategically within the arc of nations that sweeps southeastward from mainland Asia to Australia.

Among the said, only 880 of which are inhabited. It has a total land area of 300,000 square kilometers, 92

percent of which is found on the 11 largest islands. The country can be grouped geographically into the

three major islands groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Accounting for 47 percent of the total land

area, Luzon is the largest island group and is situated in the north. Mindanao, the second largest group is

located in the south and occupies 34 percent of the total land area, while the Visayas is a group of smaller

islands between Luzon and Mindanao comprising the remaining 19 percent of land area.

Diverse topography and climate characterize the different areas in the country. While mountain

ranges traverse the major islands, adjacent valleys and plateaus provide a sharp contrast. The climatic

conditions and degree of weather disturbances differ among the provinces because of their varied

topography and geographic location. The provinces in northeastern Luzon and the Bicol Region are

generally wet and more vulnerable to typhoon than the rest of the country. The Visayan regions have

generally more rainy days than Luzon and Mindanao. Mindanao, on the other hand, is almost free from

typhoon which makes agriculture a very important industry on that island.

This geographical topography posed several challenges for early explorers and traders who

attempted to navigate the region. The country's rugged terrain, dense forests, and mountain ranges made it

difficult to establish trade routes and settlements. Rivers, such as the Pasig River in Manila, also made

transportation difficult.

2
 Despite these challenges, various foreign powers were motivated to colonize the Philippines for

different reasons. The Spanish colonized the Philippines in the 16th century for its valuable resources,

including gold, silver, and spices. They also established a lucrative trade network between the Philippines

and their colonies in the Americas. The Spanish also brought Catholicism to the Philippines, which has

remained the dominant religion in the country to this day. The United States later colonized the

Philippines in the late 19th century after the Spanish-American War. The United States was interested in

the Philippines for its strategic military positioning in Asia and its potential for trade. The US established

an educational system in the Philippines, which was aimed at teaching English to Filipinos, among other

subjects. Lastly, Japan colonized the Philippines during World War II, as part of its attempt to expand its

empire in Asia. Japan established a puppet government in the Philippines and exploited its resources and

people for their war effort.

The fact that the Philippines is an archipelago consisting of more than 7,000 islands did not

necessarily make it easier to colonize. In fact, the Philippines' island geography posed several challenges

to colonization, including difficulties in establishing communication and transportation, as well as

political and cultural fragmentation. The numerous islands of the Philippines made it challenging for

foreign powers to establish a centralized government and control over the region. The islands were also

inhabited by various indigenous groups, each with their own language, culture, and political organization.

This fragmentation made it difficult for foreign powers to gain the support of the local populations and

establish control over the islands. However, the Philippines' island geography did have some advantages

for colonization. The islands provided natural harbors and ports, which were essential for trade and

transportation. The islands also had a variety of natural resources, including minerals, timber, and spices,

which were valuable to foreign powers.

Currently the Philippines is the second-largest archipelagic state in the world. It is located in a

nexus of numerous competing maritime interests at domestic, regional, and global scales. On the domestic

3
level, the fragmented islands connected by inter-island waters create a resource-rich marine environment

that hosts competing and complementary resource use and exploitation activities.

Competition between local stakeholders is fierce, usually pitting poor marginalized coastal

communities dependent on the sea for subsistence against rich commercial sectors, businesses, and elites

seeking to exploit all kinds of marine resources and use of the marine waters. Since the region is

dominated by developing States, economic policies and activities tend to be highly contested especially if

there are the benefits are not evenly distributed and there are widening gaps between the rich and poor.

These add to internal maritime security problems such as illegal fishing and drug trafficking by sea.

On the regional level, the archipelago is in the middle of the Southeast Asian region’s peninsular

and insular areas, which host porous borders, deeply-rooted coastal settlements, and diverse maritime

activities, relations, histories, and practices dating back to pre-colonial times. Post-colonial Southeast

Asia is a fragmented, competitive, and heterogenous collection of lands and peoples, often with

competing interests that have been exacerbated or amplified by colonial rule. Although the ASEAN

collective represents an effort to unify and bring peace to these contentious peoples, there are still

numerous historically rooted disputes between them that haven’t been settled by Westernization. The

Philippines, for example, has a standing dispute with Malaysia over a portion of North Borneo; it also has

competing maritime claims with Malaysia and Vietnam in the South China Sea. Nationalism tends to

influence relations and cooperation negatively, raising a very cautious attitude at best or outright

suspicion and hostility at worst. This usually hinders maritime cooperation, especially if one country

tends to blame the other as the source of the problem. The tri-border area between the Philippines,

Malaysia, and Indonesia remains one of the principal sources of common and persistent maritime security

threats, from smuggling to terrorism, due to the obstacles created by nationalism.

On the global scale, the Philippines’ location at the crossroads of international maritime trade

routes that converge and pass through the South China Sea and key straits like the Straits of Malacca,

4
Lombok, and Makassar sets its maritime interests up either against or in favor of other countries. Its

geographic location as a potential “gatekeeper,” with control over at least seven maritime “chokepoints”

within its inter-island waters, and alongside the South China Sea, makes the country an object of

contention and competition between great powers seeking to gain dominance of the South China Sea

waterways. The Philippines historically served as the springboard for the United States’ rise to global

power at the beginning of the 20th century by providing the latter with a base to access East Asia, the

Indian Ocean, and the Middle East. In the 21st century, it is a key member of the “peripheral States” that

China needs to bring under its sphere of influence and control in order to realize its Two Island Chain

Strategy and create a security buffer to its perceived vulnerable southern coasts.

Additionally, the country being an archipelago poses several challenges to port security,

including difficulties in monitoring and securing all ports and coastal areas, as well as the vulnerability of

the ports to natural disasters.

The Philippines has several major ports, including the Port of Manila, which is one of the busiest

ports in Southeast Asia. However, many smaller ports and coastal areas across the country also play a

crucial role in the country's economy and are vulnerable to security threats.

The rugged terrain, dense forests, and mountain ranges of the Philippines make it challenging to

monitor and secure all ports and coastal areas. Smugglers and illegal traders can take advantage of the

numerous small islands and coves to conduct illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and human

smuggling. The Philippine government has made efforts to improve port security through increased

monitoring and the implementation of security measures, such as the use of security cameras and X-ray

machines for cargo. Additionally, the Philippines is situated in the typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of

Fire, making its ports and coastal areas vulnerable to natural disasters. Typhoons and earthquakes can

cause significant damage to port infrastructure and disrupt maritime transportation, which can impact the

country's economy. The Philippine government has implemented measures to improve port resilience and

5
preparedness for natural disasters, including the establishment of emergency response systems and the

construction of disaster-resilient infrastructure.

In summary, the Philippines' geographical topography still poses challenges to port and maritime

security today, including difficulties in monitoring and securing all ports and coastal areas, as well as the

vulnerability of ports to natural disasters. However, the Philippine government has implemented measures

to improve port and maritime security and resilience in the face of these challenges.

(Sources: https://www.countryreports.org/country/Philippines/geography.htm)

(Sources: https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/Physical-Features-of-the-Philippines)

(Sources: https://amti.csis.org/philippine-conceptualization-of-maritime-security/)

(Sources: https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/sites/www.un.org.oceancapacity/files/monje_-

_un_nippon_paper_aprl_9_final.pdf)

Research Problem

Despite the significant economic benefits of seaborne trade in the Philippines, the country's port

security remains a pressing concern due to the archipelagic nature of the nation and its vulnerability to

natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism. There is a need to assess the direct correlation between the

geographical features of the Philippines and port security, specifically identifying the vulnerabilities and

resilience of ports to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism. Ensuring port security is crucial for the

economic development and stability of the country. A secure port system will attract investors and ensure

the safe and efficient movement of goods and people through Philippine ports.

6
 Therefore, the vulnerabilities and resilience of ports to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism are

closely linked to the geographical features of the Philippines. Understanding this direct correlation is

essential for developing effective policies and strategies to improve port security and ensure the safe and

efficient movement of goods and people through Philippine ports.

With the above, this research aims to answer the following Statement of the Problem:

1. What are the key geographical features of the Philippines that affect port security, and how do

they contribute to vulnerabilities and resilience of ports to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism?

2. What are the current security measures and strategies employed in Philippine ports, and how

effective are they in mitigating vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience to natural disasters,

piracy, and terrorism?

3. What are the vulnerabilities and resilience of Philippine ports to natural disasters, piracy, and

terrorism, and how do these differ across different regions and types of ports in the country?

4. How do factors such as corruption, poverty, and weak law enforcement affect port security in the

Philippines, and what can be done to address these challenges?

5. What are the best practices and recommendations for improving port security and enhancing

resilience to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism in the Philippines, taking into account the

country's unique geographical features and challenges?

Objectives of the Study

Here are the study objectives that the output aims to examine, based on the aforementioned research

problems:

7
 1. To identify and analyze the key geographical features of the Philippines that affect port security,

and how they contribute to vulnerabilities and resilience of ports to natural disasters, piracy, and

terrorism.

2. To evaluate the current security measures and strategies employed in Philippine ports, and assess

their effectiveness in mitigating vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience to natural disasters,

piracy, and terrorism.

3. To assess the vulnerabilities and resilience of Philippine ports to natural disasters, piracy, and

terrorism, and explore the differences across different regions and types of ports in the country.

4. To investigate the impact of factors such as corruption, poverty, and weak law enforcement on

port security in the Philippines, and propose strategies to address these challenges.

5. To develop best practices and recommendations for improving port security and enhancing

resilience to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism in the Philippines, taking into account the

country's unique geographical features and challenges.

The objectives of the study have been formulated based on the research problems that were

previously stated. The aim of this study is to thoroughly investigate and analyze the identified issues, with

the ultimate goal of providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand. The objectives have

been carefully crafted to ensure that all pertinent aspects of the research problems are addressed, and that

the resulting output is both meaningful and informative. By systematically exploring each of these

objectives, this study aims to contribute new insights to the field, as well as to inform future research in

this area.

8
 Conceptual Framework of the Study

The Flaws and Flexibility of Existing Port Security in the Philippines in relation to the Country's Topography

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES: PORT SECURITY: VULNERABILITIES: RESILIENCE:

Physical measures (e.g., Poor infrastructure Well-trained personnel

Robust infrastructure
Inadequate training of
Vast coastline
Human measures (e.g., personnel
personnel training,
security culture) Effective policies and
Exposure to natural
strategies
disasters, piracy, and Lack of resources
terrorism
Technological measures (e.g.,
Culture of continuous
surveillance, communication
Ineffective policies and improvement
systems)
strategies

The conceptual framework for this thesis is based on the following key concepts:

o Geographical features: The geographical features of the Philippines, including its archipelagic

nature, vast coastline, and exposure to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism, are the primary

factors that contribute to vulnerabilities and resilience of ports to security threats.

o Port security: Port security is a complex system that involves physical, human, and technological

measures designed to protect ports and their assets from threats such as natural disasters, piracy,

and terrorism.

9
 o Vulnerabilities: Vulnerabilities refer to weaknesses or gaps in the security system that can be

exploited by threats. In the context of port security, vulnerabilities can arise from various factors

such as poor infrastructure, inadequate training of personnel, lack of resources, and ineffective

policies and strategies.

o Resilience: Resilience refers to the ability of the port security system to withstand and recover

from security threats. A resilient port security system is characterized by robust infrastructure,

well-trained personnel, effective policies and strategies, and a culture of continuous

improvement.

Based on these concepts, the conceptual framework for this thesis is as follows:

The geographical features of the Philippines contribute to vulnerabilities and resilience of ports to

natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism. The vulnerabilities can be identified through various factors such

as poor infrastructure, inadequate training of personnel, lack of resources, and ineffective policies and

strategies. The identified vulnerabilities can then be mitigated through effective port security measures

that involve physical, human, and technological aspects. The effectiveness of these measures can be

evaluated based on their ability to mitigate vulnerabilities and enhance resilience. The resilience of the

port security system can be improved by having robust infrastructure, well-trained personnel, effective

policies and strategies, and a culture of continuous improvement. Best practices and recommendations

can then be developed based on the evaluation and improvement of port security measures.

This conceptual framework will guide the research in assessing the direct correlation between the

geographical features of the Philippines and port security vulnerabilities and resilience. It will help in

identifying the vulnerabilities and resilience of Philippine ports, evaluating the effectiveness of current

10
port security measures, and developing best practices and recommendations for improving port security in

the Philippines.

Research Hypotheses and Assumptions

Hypotheses

The security of ports in the Philippines is crucial not only for the safety of their operations but

also for the national economy. Ports are vital gateways for international trade, and any disruption can lead

to significant economic losses. However, ports face several challenges that can compromise their security,

including natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism. To address these challenges, this study formulates six

hypotheses that explore the direct correlation between the geographical features of the Philippines and

port security vulnerabilities and resilience. The hypotheses aim to identify the factors that contribute to

port security vulnerabilities and resilience, evaluate the effectiveness of current port security measures,

and develop best practices and recommendations for enhancing the resilience of the port security system

in the Philippines. Through rigorous analysis and empirical evidence, this research seeks to provide

valuable insights that can inform policy and practice and contribute to the sustainable development of the

port security system in the Philippines.

H1: The vulnerabilities of Philippine ports to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism are influenced by the

country's geographical features.

H2: The current port security measures in the Philippines are not sufficient to mitigate all vulnerabilities.

H3: The effectiveness of port security measures in the Philippines varies across different ports.

H4: Ports that are exposed to higher risks of natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism have higher

vulnerability and lower resilience compared to ports that are exposed to lower risks.

11
H5: Ports with better infrastructure, well-trained personnel, and effective policies and strategies have

higher resilience and lower vulnerability compared to ports with weaker infrastructure, poorly trained

personnel, and ineffective policies and strategies.

H6: Implementation of best practices and recommendations for port security can improve the resilience of

ports and reduce their vulnerability to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism.

Assumptions

Ports play a vital role in the economic development of the Philippines as they facilitate the

movement of goods and people across different parts of the country and the world. This study therefore

assumes:

 Ports in the Philippines are vulnerable to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism due to the

country's geographical features.

 Port security measures in the Philippines are not sufficient to mitigate all vulnerabilities.

 The effectiveness of port security measures in the Philippines varies across different ports.

These assumptions and hypotheses will guide the research in testing the direct correlation between the

geographical features of the Philippines and port security vulnerabilities and resilience. They will help in

identifying the factors that contribute to vulnerabilities and resilience of ports, evaluating the

effectiveness of current port security measures, and developing best practices and recommendations for

enhancing the resilience of the port security system in the Philippines.

(E-Reference: https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo2016/eo_197_2016.html)

12
(E-Reference: https://customs.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/oldCMC/cmc-20-2016-Executive-

Order-No.-197-s.-2016-Designating-the-Sec.-of-Transportation-Communication-as-the-Authority-

Responsible-for-the-Security-of-Sea-Transport-Maritime-Infrast.pdf)

(E-Reference: https://ots.gov.ph/images/memos/MC2013_03.pdf)

Research Scopes and Limitations

The research titled "Assessing the Direct Correlation between the Geographical Features of the

Philippines and Port Security: Vulnerabilities and Resilience" focuses on ports in the Philippines and their

vulnerabilities and resilience to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism. The study will use qualitative and

quantitative methods to collect and analyze data, including interviews, surveys, and statistical analysis.

The effectiveness of current port security measures in the Philippines will be examined, and the study will

develop best practices and recommendations for enhancing the resilience of the port security system. The

research aims to provide insights that can inform policy and practice and contribute to the sustainable

development of the port security system in the Philippines.

Despite these objectives, the research also has limitations. Firstly, the study is limited to the data

that is available, and some information may be incomplete or inaccurate. Secondly, the study is limited to

a specific time frame, and changes in port security measures and vulnerabilities over time may not be

fully captured. Thirdly, the study may not be able to account for all possible factors that contribute to port

security vulnerabilities and resilience. Fourthly, the study is limited to the geographical features of the

Philippines and does not explore other factors that may affect port security, such as economic and

political factors. Lastly, the study may face limitations in terms of access to data and information,

particularly in cases where certain information is considered sensitive or confidential. The scope and

limitations of this research provide a framework for the research design and methodology, and the

research team will be aware of these limitations to ensure the validity and reliability of the study's

findings.

13
Variables and Indicators

The variables are presented below, along with their corresponding itemized indicators listed

individually beneath each one, for the research titled "Assessing the Direct Correlation between the

Geographical Features of the Philippines and Port Security: Vulnerabilities and Resilience":

 Geographic features of the Philippines

 Coastal area (km)

 Number of ports

 Distance from potential threats (natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism)

 Climate and weather patterns

 Port security vulnerabilities:

 Incidents of piracy and robbery

 Number of casualties and injuries

 Amount of damage and loss

 Number of security breaches

 Security-related delays in port operations

 Port security resilience:

 Preparedness measures (e.g., contingency plans, emergency response systems)

 Recovery measures (e.g., repair and reconstruction of damaged facilities)

 Mitigation measures (e.g., equipment and technology upgrades, security personnel

training)

 Availability and effectiveness of security resources (e.g., security personnel, security

equipment, intelligence and information sharing)

14
  External factors:

 Economic and political stability of the country

 Cooperation and coordination among different stakeholders (e.g., government agencies,

port authorities, shipping companies)

 Global trends and events affecting port security (e.g., rise of terrorism, changes in

international trade routes)

These variables and indicators can be used to collect and analyze data on the study's research

questions and hypotheses, providing insights into the direct correlation between the geographical features

of the Philippines and port security vulnerabilities and resilience.

15
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES:

Ports play a significant role in the global economy by facilitating the movement of goods and people

across the world. However, with the increasing complexity of supply chains and evolving security threats,

port security has become a critical concern worldwide. In the case of the Philippines, which has an

extensive coastline and is heavily reliant on maritime trade, port security is particularly important.

Additionally, the country is at risk of natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic

eruptions that can damage port infrastructure and disrupt trade flows. Understanding the vulnerabilities

and resilience of Philippine ports is essential for policymakers, port operators, and other stakeholders.

This review of related literature aims to explore the various issues related to port security and how they

apply to the Philippine context. By analyzing the existing literature and studies, this review aims to

identify potential gaps in knowledge that can be addressed by the present research.

Review of Related Literature

Port security is a critical component of maritime trade, and ports worldwide are facing numerous

challenges due to changing security threats and the increasing complexity of global supply chains. Holt

and Morris (2015) provide an overview of issues related to port security, noting that ports are vulnerable

16
to a range of threats, including terrorism, piracy, smuggling, and cyber attacks. The authors argue that

ensuring the security of ports is of utmost importance, as any disruptions or incidents can have significant

impacts on global trade and economic stability.

In the case of the Philippines, which is an archipelagic nation with over 7,000 islands, port

security is particularly important due to the country's significant maritime trade and reliance on ports for

its economic growth. The Philippines has numerous ports, and securing them against various threats is a

significant challenge due to the country's weak infrastructure, limited resources, and corruption

(Montefalcon, 2011). The country is also vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes,

and volcanic eruptions, which can cause significant damage to port infrastructure and disrupt trade flows.

As a result, understanding the vulnerabilities and resilience of Philippine ports is a critical issue for

policymakers, port operators, and other stakeholders.

Risk assessment is one of the key tools for understanding and addressing port security

vulnerabilities. Marchant and Stevens (2011) review various analytical approaches to assessing port

security risks, including qualitative methods, probabilistic risk assessment, and vulnerability assessment.

The authors note that vulnerability assessment is particularly useful in identifying and prioritizing risks,

and suggest that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to effectively address port security challenges.

For example, a vulnerability assessment might include an analysis of the physical security of port

facilities, the effectiveness of security procedures and protocols, and the role of personnel in ensuring port

security.

Climate change is also affecting port security, as rising sea levels and more severe weather events

put port infrastructure at risk. Liu (2020) examines the impact of climate change on port and harbor

infrastructure, noting that port managers must take a long-term perspective and invest in resilience

measures to ensure that ports remain operational and secure. The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to

the impacts of climate change, and understanding the risks associated with sea level rise and extreme

weather events is critical for ensuring the resilience of its ports.

17
 Piracy and armed robbery against ships continue to be major threats to port security, particularly

in the Southeast Asian region. Pedrozo (2013) examines the legal framework for counter-piracy

operations in Southeast Asia, noting that international cooperation and coordination are essential to

combatting piracy. The author suggests that a comprehensive approach is necessary, which includes both

legal measures and practical security measures such as the use of armed guards and the implementation of

best management practices. Bellavita and Jackson (2011) propose a risk assessment framework for

addressing the threat of terrorism to port security, which includes identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating

risks, and developing mitigation strategies.

In summary, port security is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive

approach to address the various challenges and threats. The literature suggests that vulnerability

assessment, resilience measures, and international cooperation are key components of effective port

security management. The Philippine context presents unique challenges due to its geographic features

and vulnerabilities to natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism. Understanding these challenges and

developing appropriate responses is critical for ensuring the security and stability of the country's ports

and the broader economy.

Bibliography:

Source: "Port Security: An Overview of Issues" by Mark Holt and Wayne Morris, published by

Congressional Research Service”

E-link: (https://fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/R43216.pdf)

Source: "The Challenges of Port Security in the Philippines" by Maria Teresa Montefalcon, published by

the Philippine Institute for Development Studies”

E-link: (https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps0504.pdf)

18
Source: "Assessing Port Security Risks: A Review of Analytical Approaches" by Gary E. Marchant and

Yvonne A. Stevens, published by the Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management”

E-link: (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.2202/1547-7355.1269/html)

Source: "The Impact of Climate Change on Port and Harbor Infrastructure" by Xinjun Liu, published by

the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering”

Link: (https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/8/3/163)

Source: "Terrorism and Port Security: A Risk Assessment Framework" by Christopher Bellavita and

Michael Jackson, published by the Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management”

E-link: (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.2202/1547-7355.1264/html)

19