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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Standard set of names sought for PH-claimed WPS islands

Standard set of names sought for PH-claimed WPS islands

Published Jun 28, 2025 02:47 pm
Outgoing Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo is seeking to adopt a standard set of names for the islands claimed by the Philippines in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

This photo shows DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo signing National Maritime Council Resolution No. 002 (2025) recommending the adoption of the standard set of Philippine names of 131 features of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea. (Photo from Sec. Manalo via X post)
This photo shows DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo signing National Maritime Council Resolution No. 002 (2025) recommending the adoption of the standard set of Philippine names of 131 features of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea. (Photo from Sec. Manalo via X post)
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, June 27, the DFA chief shared about signing the National Maritime Council (NMC) Resolution No. 002 (2025).

“Signed National Maritime Council (NMC) Resolution No. 002 (2025) Recommending the Adoption of the Standard Set of Philippine Names for One Hundred Thirty-One (131) Features of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea,” he wrote.

Manalo signed the memorandum a few days before he steps down as DFA chief on June 30 to prepare for his new post as Philippine Representative to the United Nations in New York, a post he previously held.

He will be replaced by DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro as head of the country’s foreign affairs agency.

With six coastal countries claiming parcels of the resource-rich islands in the West Philippine Sea, the islands and features have been called by different names in the international fora.

For most of the contested features, Westernized names have been adopted to refer to them in treaties and agreements.

In 2012, former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III through an administrative order officially named areas in the western side of the country as West Philippine Sea.

Then, in 2024, President Marcos created the National Maritime Council to serve as the central hub of information on matters relevant to the Philippines’ maritime security and maritime domain awareness.

The NMC is chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, with members including the heads of foreign affairs, national defense, agriculture, energy, environment, and the national security adviser.

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Enrique Manalo DFA West Philippine Sea National Maritime Council standard names
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