PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

23 May 2025, CANBERRA – The Philippine Embassy in Canberra congratulates Philippine Navy Chief of Philippine Navy Gender and Development Center Commander Cristy Rufino Gutierrez, Philippine Coast Guard Aviation Staff for Education and Training, Pilot in Command - BN Islander and Cessna Grand Caravan, Coast Guard Aviation Command (CGAVCOM) Commander Meche Bacea Velez, and Department of Foreign Affairs - Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office’s Ms. Michiko Ann Nomorosa Acaylar in their successful participation in this year’s Women in Maritime Security (WIMS) Program organized by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in partnership with the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS).

The WIMS Program which was held from 11-23 May 2025 enabled the participants to study law of the sea and maritime security at the ANCORS facility at the University of Wollongong in New South Wales (NSW) and undergo management and leadership training through engagements with key Australian agencies and site visits in Sydney, NSW and in Canberra.

Australia strongly supports the women, peace and security agenda and sees the role of women in maritime security as a vital element of promoting a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

The Philippines and Australia relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023 and have a robust defense and security cooperation in maritime security, especially in education, knowledge exchange and capacity. Australia is also one of only two Visiting Forces Agreement partners of the Philippines. - END