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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Sa Araw ng Kagitingan': DILG vows concrete actions to defendWest Philippine Sea

'Sa Araw ng Kagitingan': DILG vows concrete actions to defendWest Philippine Sea

Published Apr 9, 2026 06:36 pm
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) vowed to remain an active partner of all sectors in advancing concrete actions to protect and defend the West Philippine Sea through arts.
As the nation observes Araw ng Kagitingan, the DILG urged Filipinos to stay engaged, informed, and united in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and marine resources for future generations.
Representing DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla during the West Philippine Sea Mural Festival 2026, Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian de Leon said WPS issue is not only a question of sovereignty but also of livelihood, environmental protection, and the future of Filipino communities.
“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi lamang usapin ng teritoryo. Ito ay usapin ng ating soberanya, kabuhayan ng ating mga mangingisda, at kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon ng Pilipino (The West Philippine Sea is not only about the territory. This concerns our sovereignty, livelihood of our fisherfolks and future of the next Filipino generation),’’ de Leon said.
“With the theme “Kulayan ang Karagatan para sa Kalayaan,” the mural festival served as a platform to honor Filipino courage and reinforce the country’s collective responsibility to protect its maritime domain,’’ the DILG noted.
De Leon highlighted DILG’s efforts to localize WPS advocacy through the program “Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksiyon Para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas,” which brings together partner agencies, civil society, the academe, the Institute for Environmental Governance, private sector stakeholders, and ten coastal provinces to develop and implement provincial action plans.
These include the creation of local councils that drive coordinated and sustainable responses.
“This shows that protecting our seas is not only a national mandate. It is a shared responsibility of communities working together,” she added.
The event gathered Filipino artists, students, volunteers, and representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and national government agencies in a unified expression of patriotism through art.

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