The Atin Ito Coalition has appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to issue an executive order declaring July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day.
The coalition said the declaration would ensure that the Philippines’ landmark diplomatic and legal victory is permanently remembered by the Filipino people.
During a press conference in Puerto Princesa, Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña said that an annual commemoration of the 2016 arbitral victory against China would honor the courage and sacrifices of Filipino fishermen and other frontliners who continue to defend the country’s sovereignty despite harassment by foreign forces.
He added that declaring July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day would strengthen the ruling’s place in the nation’s historical memory and encourage government agencies and local government units to observe the occasion.
Cendaña also said the declaration would deepen public education on the country’s maritime rights and help counter misinformation surrounding the West Philippine Sea.
“Declaring July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day will institutionalize this historic milestone in our national memory, encourage all government agencies and local government units to commemorate it every year, deepen public education on our maritime rights, and help counter disinformation and fake narratives surrounding the West Philippine Sea,” Cendaña said.
Meanwhile, Kalayaan Vice Mayor MP Albayda reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to promoting awareness of the country’s maritime rights.
He also announced that more than 1,000 participants are expected to join the West Philippine Sea Parade in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the landmark arbitral ruling.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Atin Ito)
