LGUs play key role in West Philippine Sea defense —DILG

Local government units (LGU) play a key role in upholding sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

During the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award in Lingayen, Pangasinan, DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian De Leon said that effective local governance also helped strengthen the country’s maritime sovereignty.

“Bakit importante ang role ng LGUs sa usapin ng West Philippine Sea? Madalas kasi ang naiisip po natin kapag WPS tungkol lang sa maritime security o foreign affairs. Pero, in reality, malaking bahagi po dito ang local governance,” De Leon said.

(Why are LGUs important in discussions about the West Philippine Sea? Often, when we think about the WPS, it is only about maritime security or foreign affairs. But in reality, a big part of this is local governance.)

These local governments are the ones that protect the WPS while promoting sustainable development, she added.

Speaking at the same event, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla called upon Filipinos to set aside political colors when it came to the West Philippine Sea. He added that Filipinos cannot be divided on the issue.

“Our seas belong to us. Our seas are for the Filipinos and for the Philippines,” Remulla said in Filipino.

Remulla also urged local governments to support rules-based efforts to uphold national sovereignty in the disputed waters.

Chinese Coast Guard uses water cannon near Philippine vessel in Bajo de Masinloc.

The DILG has a program that empowers LGUs to take greater ownership in the West Philippine Sea called the "Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksyon Para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas."

The program aims to help frontline coastal provinces, as well as implement local action plans that promote maritime governance, environmental protection, food security, and inclusive economic growth.

At least eight provinces have established a West Philippine Sea Council through local ordinances or executive orders.

The DILG conferred plaques of recognition to 10 coastal provinces to award their commitment to good local governance and their initiative related to the West Philippine Sea.

This recognition from the DILG came amid rising tensions between Beijing and Manila over the West Philippine Sea. On Monday, Chinese Coast Guard vessels physically hit Filipino sailors with a baton in Ayungin Shoal. In the following days, Chinese forces would also repeatedly blast Filipino crewmen with water cannons while they conducted routine aid missions in Bajo de Masinloc.—Jean Mangaluz/LDF, GMA News