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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Remulla calls for LGU unity in West PH Sea summit

Remulla calls for LGU unity in West PH Sea summit

Published Jul 23, 2026 10:35 pm
REMULLA
REMULLA
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla called for unity among local government units (LGUs) for a unified demonstration of support for the West Philippine Sea and the Filipino communities whose lives depend on it.
"Wala naman dito ang may gusto ng digmaan. Wala naman dito ang may gusto ng karahasan. Ngunit kung hindi tayo magkakaisa bilang mga lalawigan, hindi tayo magkakaisa bilang mga lider, hindi magkakaisa bilang mga Pilipino, ang tapang ng ating mga kalaban ay hihigit pa (No one here wants war. No one here wants violence. But if we do not unite as provinces, if we do not unite as leaders, if we do not unite as Filipinos, the audaciousness of our enemies would grow)," Remulla said during the "Bayanihan para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas 2026" Summit at the Sison Auditorium here on Thursday.
The summit, joined by officials of Pangasinan as the host province, La Union, Batanes, Zambales, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Palawan, Bataan, and Oriental Mindoro, coincides with the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award in the South China Sea Arbitration.
"Ipakita natin na tayo ay Pilipino at hindi natatakot kanino man. Na kaya nating ipaglaban ang atin. Na ang ating karagatan ay atin. Na ang batas ay sinusunod natin. Na ang mga dagat natin ay para sa Pilipino at para sa Pilipinas (Let us show them that we are Filipinos and we are not afraid of anyone. That we can fight for what is ours. That our seas are ours. That we honor the law. That our seas are for the Filipinos and for the Philippines)," he said.
He also told national and local leaders to be united despite differences in political parties and politics.
"That in this issue, we are united," he added.
The summit was part of the DILG's "Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayanihang Aksiyon para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas" initiative, which works with 10 provinces facing the West Philippine Sea to strengthen local governance mechanisms for marine protection, sustainable fisheries, and coastal community resilience.
Assistant Director General Francis Jude Lauengco of the National Security Council's Partnerships and Engagements Office discussed government actions in upholding the country's victory in the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration, including diplomatic, political, legal, information, military and law enforcement, and socio-economic measures.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has rolled out programs such as LAYAG-WPS and the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda to provide livelihood, fuel, and market support to fisherfolk affected by tensions in the area.
Edgar Sison, chairperson of the Lingayen Municipal Agricultural and Fisheries Council, said they are grateful for the national government's move to uphold the West Philippine Sea.
"Unity among provinces and leaders is important. We are but a small country as compared to China, but if we show them that we are united in this, it shows them that we are serious in fighting for the West Philippine Sea," he said in Filipino. (PNA)

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