10 provinces honored as West Philippine Sea 'champions'

www / West Philippine Sea West Philippine Sea 10 provinces honored as West Philippine Sea ‘champions’ By: Yolanda Sotelo - Correspondent / @yzsoteloINQ INQUIRER.net / 10:16 AM July 26, 2026 Share: Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III sign the Wall of Commitment during the Bayanihan Para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas 2026 Summit in Lingayen, Pangasinan on Thursday, reaffirming their pledge to protect, promote, and defend the West Philippine Sea.-(Photo courtesy of Odie Mamaril/PIA) LINGAYEN, Philippines — Ten provinces with coastlines along the West Philippine Sea (WPS) were recognized as “champions” of the country’s maritime domain during the Bayanihan Para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas 2026 summit held here on Thursday, July 23.

The national gathering, organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), brought together governors, local chief executives, national government agencies, and development partners in a show of unity and support for the West Philippine Sea and the coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on its rich marine resources. Honored during the summit were Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Batanes, Batangas, and Pangasinan, all of which crafted provincial West Philippine Sea action plans following the first national summit in 2023. Article continues after this advertisement READ: West PH Sea task force: PH mission near Panatag to continueFEATURED STORIES WWW China Coast Guard fires water cannon at PH vessel during Panatag mission WWW Teodoro: China has no right to question Philippine activities at Ayungin WWW WPS: Marcos wants to ‘reset’ PH-China ties after Ayungin incident The award recognized each province’s “invaluable cooperation, steadfast support, and outstanding contribution to the protection, promotion, and defense of the West Philippine Sea.”

Eight of the 10 provinces—except Batangas and Batanes—have also established their respective West Philippine Sea Councils through ordinances, resolutions, or executive orders to institutionalize local initiatives supporting the country’s maritime interests. Commitment The governors and other provincial officials also signed a declaration reaffirming their commitment to protecting the West Philippine Sea and expressing solidarity with the national government and partner institutions in advancing good governance, sustainable management, and the defense of the country’s maritime domain. “The West Philippine Sea is a part of the national territory endowed with natural resources and rich marine wealth that provide livelihoods, ensure food security, and offer hope for present and future generations,” the declaration stated.

Article continues after this advertisement READ: West PH Sea tensions: 64% of Filipinos distrust China — survey The summit marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, the landmark ruling that affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Article continues after this advertisement DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, who led the summit, urged Filipinos to set aside political differences in defending the country’s maritime rights. “While we may have different political views, we should be united on this issue,” Remulla said.

“Let us show that Filipinos are not afraid of anyone and can fight for what is ours,” he added. DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian de Leon announced that the 10 provinces would receive cold storage facilities from the United Nations to strengthen fisheries and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities. “The West Philippine Sea is not only the concern of the national government.

Local governments are directly affected through marine resources, the livelihoods of fisherfolk, environmental protection, and disaster resilience,” de Leon said. Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III called on fellow governors to continue safeguarding the country’s seas, stressing that they are not only part of their territorial jurisdictions but also a legacy that sustains thousands of Filipino fishing families.

Vice Gov. Mark Lambino echoed the call, saying that as a coastal province, Pangasinan’s food security, fishing industry, and coastal communities are closely tied to the health and security of the West Philippine Sea. He noted the need for stronger governance, continued protection of the country’s waters, and sustained support for families whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

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Subscribe to our daily newsletter SIGN ME UP By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Summit organizers noted that for generations, Filipino fisherfolk and coastal communities have relied on the West Philippine Sea for food and livelihood.

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