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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Kalayaan officials, residents deserve 'Outstanding Filipinos of 2026' title for standing up to China, solons say

Kalayaan officials, residents deserve 'Outstanding Filipinos of 2026' title for standing up to China, solons say

Published Feb 13, 2026 03:36 pm

At A Glance

  • The residents of Kalayaan, Palawan should be declared "Outstanding Filipinos of 2026" for their sheer defiance against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
(Unsplash)
(Unsplash)


The residents of Kalayaan, Palawan should be declared "Outstanding Filipinos of 2026" for their sheer defiance against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
For this reason, the self-styled WPS Bloc in the House of Representatives composed of Akbayan Party-list Reps. Dadah Kiram Ismula, Perci Cendaña, Chel Diokno; Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, Dinagat Islands lone district Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, and Albay 1st district Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman filed House Resolution (HR) No. 780.
The resolution formally commends 16 local government officials in Kalayaan for their "courage, vigilance, and unwavering commitment" to Philippine sovereignty.
“This early in the year, the courage and patriotism shown in the actions of the people of Kalayaan are worthy to be hailed as Outstanding Filipinos of the Year,” said Ismula, who led the filing of the measure.
The neophyte lawmaker said the Kalayaan residents should be emulated for their heroism.
The resolution recognizes the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) officials and residents for standing their ground despite being "at the forefront of the Philippines’ assertion of sovereignty" and facing "foreign pressure and intimidation".
The move follows a Feb. 10 announcement by the Chinese Embassy in Manila imposing a travel ban on the 16 local officials, declaring them "not welcome" in China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
"This resolution is our steadfast commitment to stand with the brave residents of Kalayaan Island. Their courage and fortitude to live as a community in the very epicenter of China's maritime aggression should be beyond question–even by our own politicians who wish to abandon them,” Cendaña said.
The WPS Bloc noted that these officials showed "exceptional courage, patriotism, and integrity" by faithfully performing their duties despite the diplomatic friction. They added that the people of Kalayaan have earned the distinction of being Outstanding Filipinos for their "steadfast defense of the national interest".
The resolution also highlights the "collective courage and resilience" of the Kalayaan residents who continue to serve in a strategically vital area to affirm the nation’s sovereign rights.
According to the lawmakers, the declaration serves as an expression of support for those "on the frontlines of the Philippines’ assertion of its sovereignty or jurisdiction".
Among the officials cited for their bravery were Beltzasar Alindogan, Maurice Phillip Alexis Albayda, Nonelon Balbontin, Nonie Gapuz, Roberto Asiado, Hubert Llavan, Francis Polizon, Marilou Vales, Monico Abogado, Eugenio Bito-onon, Hermoso Ornopia, Tracylie Shierjun Malabayabas, Arzel Belidan, Vicencio Milan, Allan Dellosa, and Mary Cristina Lagrosa.
The resolution further condemns the "wolf warrior diplomacy" and "direct targeting of Filipino leaders" by foreign entities.
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