​Last March 10th, the Italian frigate Antonio Marceglia left Laem Chabang, Thailand, to reach – after five days of navigation – Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

The stop in the Asian country, from March 15th to 21st, saw the FREMM engaged in a busy schedule of events focused on Freedom of Navigation in compliance with international maritime law and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Italy and the Philippines for the protection of Sea Lines of Communication.

The Italian Ambassador to Manila, H.E. Davide Giglio, welcomed the ship at the pier, and addressed the crew lined up on the flight deck: 'The Italian Navy continues a complex projection operation in distant waters of increasing importance for our country's security. With your presence, you demonstrate a technical and logistical capability that honors the ancient traditions of the Italian Navy, highly appreciated in the Philippines. Thank you for your commitment!'.

In the presence of Ambassador Giglio, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines, Massimo Santoro, Vice Admiral Andrea Gueglio, Head of the Italian Navy Military Personnel Employment Directorate, on behalf of the Italian Navy General Staff, Admiral Andro Val P Abayon, Commander of the Philippine Naval Special Operation Group, and a delegation of officers and personnel from the Philippine Navy, last March 16th, the unit hosted the Sunday Mass on board for the local Catholic community.

In the spirit of bilateralism and cooperation between the two countries, there was also a basketball game that saw the Marceglia team, led by an exceptional top player, Ambassador Giglio, and the Phil Navy Fleet team compete on the court of the Arellano University in Manila. It wasn't just an exchange of shots and scores between the two teams, but above all, a moment of interaction and sharing.

The reception hosted on board last March 19th was another evidence of the concrete cooperation between the two Navies. The event provided an opportunity for the presentation of the initiative Bridging Horizons: Naval Cultural Exchange Thru Arts by Kristine Soguillon-Lim, an artist and reservist of the Philippine Navy, who wished to donate four works of art to the ship as a symbol of the shared values between the two countries.

In line with the strategic objectives of the Campaign, which sees ITS Marceglia as an ambassador of Made in Italy and an image of a present, credible, and reliable Italy, the Industry Forum National Hub for Underwater Dimension saw the participation of partners and local authorities onboard the FREMM.

Vice Admiral Andrea Gueglio addressed the audience, emphasizing the value of the friendship between the two Navies and pointing out the numerous areas of possible collaboration. He then highlighted the strategic value assumed by the newly established National Underwater Hub (PNS), a unique entity in the global landscape for its ability to create synergy among multiple actors interested in operating and developing new underwater capabilities. 'By its very nature, the Hub is also meant to be a strategic interlocutor for friendly Navies, such as that of the Philippines. Potential synergies can be developed, in the awareness that the maritime area of interest to the Philippines is extremely important for the global Blue Economy. In fact, the seabed of the Indo-Pacific, as is the case in the Mediterranean, in addition to being rich in energy resources and materials important for industries, also sees the passage of strategic data communication lines and pipelines for energy supply.

The PNS is looking ahead with the awareness that the underwater dimension will gain increasing strategic importance on a global scale.

Follow the operational projection campaign of ITS_Marceglia