NCMS

The National Committee on Marine Sciences (NCMS) was created on 18 June 1962 pursuant to the recommendation of the Regional Meeting of Marine Sciences Institutes in East and Southeast Asia field in Manila on 5‑8 March 1962 under the joint sponsorship of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNCOP) and the National Science Development Board (NSDB) now Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The creation of this inter‑agency Committee ushered the integration and coordination of marine scientific research activities in this country.

The Committee was under the NSDB Programme for seventeen (17) years from the time of its inception. But it was transferred to the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines by the NSDB in 1979. It was then reactivated, expanded in function, and enlarged in Composition.

FUNCTIONS

1. To serve as the focal point and coordinating body on marine researches undertaken by various national agencies, institutions and laboratories of the government;

2. To act as the clearinghouse of the National Government for all matters concerning the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UNESCO;

3. To act as the adhering body to the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) under the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU); and

4. To serve as advisory body in the formulation and implementation of a long-range national program for the development of marine sciences in the country.

As a coordinating entity for marine science‑related matters, the NCMS was designated as the adhering body to the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) on 28 September 1962.

The Philippine Government officially became a Member State of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO on 14 November 1962, through the joint efforts of the UNCOP, NSDB, and NCMS. The membership to IOC has provided vast opportunities for exchange and enrichment of marine science knowledge and skills through meetings, seminars and training courses conducted on the international and regional levels, and for scientific exploration of Philippine waters with the participation of Filipino scientists which enhances economic development and strengthens international relations.

The activities of the NCMS focused mainly on the scientific and applied aspects of oceanography, specifically on meteorological, geological, physical, chemical and biological concerns.