The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is pushing to localize advocacy for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) by tapping communities, artists, and institutions through initiatives like the West Philippine Sea Mural Festival 2026.
Held at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo High School, the event highlighted how art can be used to raise awareness and mobilize grassroots support for issues surrounding sovereignty, livelihood, and environmental protection.
Representing DILG Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon emphasized that protecting the WPS requires collective action from communities.
“This shows that protecting our seas is not only a national mandate. It is a shared responsibility of communities working together,” she said.
De Leon said the WPS issue extends beyond territorial disputes, underscoring its direct impact on Filipino fishermen and future generations.
“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,” she added.
Central to this effort is the DILG program “Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksiyon Para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas,” which brings together national agencies, civil society, the academe, private sector groups, and coastal provinces to craft and implement localized action plans, including the formation of local councils.
The mural festival, themed “Kulayan ang Karagatan para sa Kalayaan,” gathered artists, students, volunteers, and uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard, showcasing a unified expression of patriotism through art.
De Leon also underscored the role of creative expression in strengthening public engagement.
“Sa pamamagitan ng sining, naipapakita natin ang pagmamahal sa bayan. Hindi lang ito ipinaglalaban. Ito ay ipinapahayag at pinatitibay,” she said.
The DILG said it will continue advancing partnerships with various sectors to sustain awareness and concrete action in protecting the West Philippine Sea.
