1. Topic 2: “Joint Air-Naval Partnership to Secure Philippine Maritime Interests”
The Philippine National Security Policy gave particular emphasis on securing our maritime interests
as it reflects the country’s geostrategic position. As such maritime security is now an important responsibility
for the DND-AFP. While the Philippine Navy has the lead role in securing our waters, it cannot be denied that
air power has become a valuable partner to our maritime forces. This provides the rationale for the aforemen-
tioned topic. The desired learning objectives for the audience are:
1. Identify and understand Philippine Maritime Interests, their Challenges and the PN’s Strategic Con-
cept to Secure RP Maritime Interests;
2. Identify areas of cooperation between the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force vis-à-vis
their respective mandates; and
3. Identify and understand current/proposed programs and initiatives, challenges, and future direc-
tions to strengthen joint partnerships with the PAF and other stakeholders to enhance maritime security.
COMMODORE JOSE RENAN C SUAREZ AFP
Deputy Commander, Philippine Fleet, Philippine Navy
COMMODORE JOSE RENAN C SUAREZ AFP is the Second in-Command of the Philippine Fleet, the Philippine
Navy’s sea-going arm that provides naval vessels, assets and sailors for naval operations. A member of the Philippine
Military Academy (PMA) class of 1982, Commodore Suarez has extensive experience, specializing in operations, strategic
planning, naval staff work, doctrines and training among others. He served as the Commander of Naval Task Force 61
(NTF 61) and commanded the Philippine Fleet’s Service Force. Commodore Suarez was also involved in the Philippine
Navy and AFP Modernization program in the 1990s as well as the PN Sail Plan 2020 that laid the blueprint for the trans-
formation of the Philippine Navy.
His professional accomplishments are complemented by an outstanding academic record. He was a graduate of
surface warfare operations at the United States Navy Surface Warfare School, the General Command and Staff Course
at the French Joint Defense College and the International Defense Resource Management at the Royal Canadian Armed
Forces. He also holds a Masters Degree (with Distinction) in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Man-
agement and likewise finished the Executive Course on National Security at the National Defense College of the Philip-
pines.
He is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Cavalier Award for Naval Operations given by the Philippine
Military Academy Alumni Association (PMAAA), the 2008 Outstanding Philippine Soldier (TOPS) Award given by the
Metrobank Foundation and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro and the 2011 Civil Service Commission Pag-Asa Award for
outstanding public servants.