FEU Department of International Studies

FEU International Studies (International Relations and Diplomacy) alumna Jacqueline P. Buenaventura, Assistant Chief Research Officer at the Foreign Service Institute, Philippines - FSI Philippines, shared her insights through CIRSS Commentaries by examining the risks of militarization, the challenges posed by the "conservation trap," and the ways in which the Philippines can assert its rights under UNCLOS and domestic law.

𝗖𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 🌊⚓ | In March 2026, China revised its Regulations on Nature Reserves. These provide the legal architecture to administer its illegitimately declared "national nature reserve" in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), further undermining Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the Shoal. 🇵🇭 This move is best understood not as conservation, but as a calculated act of lawfare to consolidate control over the maritime feature. 🚨

In this edition of 𝗖𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, Assistant Chief Research Officer Jacqueline P. Buenaventura examines the militarization risks, the "conservation trap," and how the Philippines can assert its rights under UNCLOS and domestic law. 🔍

A timely read as fresh reports of a floating structure inside the Shoal continue to unfold. 🌏

🔗 Read the full commentary here (PDF):
tinyurl.com/cirss-bajodemasinloc



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𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬! ✨

Graduating Tams, a new chapter is about to unfold. When your dreams start to call, are you ready to answer the opportunities waiting ahead?

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟒–𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, discover career paths, connect with top companies in the Philippines, and take a bold step toward your future at the FEU Manila Grandstand for FEU Career Fair 2026. 💚💛

Plus, your participation in the Career Fair gives you a ticket to the FEU Graduation Send-Off 2026 experience! 🎉

The FEU Career Fair 2026 is 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶. More details will be posted soon, so stay tuned, Tams!

FEU Department of International Studies faculty member Wayne Winter Uyseco joined the discussion as a resource speaker at Rights in Focus: The Human Rights for Campus Journalism Lecture Series Caravan, held on 4 June 2026 at Ateneo Professional Schools, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

Mr. Uyseco emphasized the importance of understanding major global conflicts, the role of journalism in shaping public discourse surrounding these developments, and their implications for both global and domestic politics. He was joined by journalists Ms. Zen Hernandez and Ms. Lian Buan, whose presentations highlighted the significance of journalism in addressing national and international issues and underscored the importance of responsible and ethical reporting.

Thank you, The Australian National University!

The Far Eastern University Department of International Studies, in partnership with the Australian National University–Philippines Institute, organized a roundtable discussion and public lecture on foreign policy titled “Understanding Foreign Policy Actions,” with Benjamin Day, PhD, as the keynote speaker. The event was held on 28 May 2026 at the ManCom ADB and FC801 Auditorium. It marked the 17th year of the BA International Studies program and celebrated the partnership between FEU and ANU.

The event served as an academic platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and critical discussion on contemporary foreign policy challenges. It also strengthened cooperation between universities and encouraged students and researchers to engage more deeply in global political issues and foreign policy analysis.

Joining the panel of discussants and reactors were representatives from various government agencies and academic institutions, including the Foreign Service Institute, Philippines - FSI Philippines, DILG Philippines, National Security Council (NSC), Philippine National Police, COMELEC Commission on Elections, the University of the Philippines Department of Political Science, FACTS Asia, Miriam College, DAP Graduate School of Public Management Development Academy of the Philippines, the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, and the ANU Department of International Relations.

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed Eid Al-Adha! May this special day bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to all. Enjoy the celebrations with your loved ones!