Zamboanga Sibugay SP Declares July 12 as ‘West Philippine Sea Victory Day’
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Zamboanga Sibugay has taken a symbolic stand in support of the country's sovereignty and maritime rights after a resolution was filed declaring July 12 of every year as "West Philippine Sea Victory Day" in the province.
The measure, Resolution No. 2026-10600, was introduced by Akbayan Party-list Board Member Atty. Eldwin Alibutdan, representing the Second District, during the 49th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan held last Tuesday.
The resolution seeks to institutionalize the annual observance of West Philippine Sea Victory Day as a means of commemorating the landmark July 12, 2016 Arbitral Award, which upheld the Philippines' maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and rejected China's expansive "nine-dash line" claim in the South China Sea.
Aside from recognizing the historic legal victory, the resolution affirms the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay's commitment to upholding the country's sovereign rights, sovereign jurisdiction, and maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with international law.
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Alibutdan said the measure aims to strengthen public awareness of the significance of the arbitral ruling and promote greater appreciation of the country's rights over its exclusive economic zone and maritime resources.
The proposed annual observance also seeks to encourage patriotism among Sibugaynons and recognize the sacrifices of Filipino fishermen, maritime workers, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other government agencies tasked with protecting the country's territorial and maritime interests.
The resolution underscores that the 2016 arbitral ruling remains a milestone in the Philippines' pursuit of a rules-based international order, reaffirming the country's rights under UNCLOS and reinforcing the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes through international legal mechanisms.
If fully adopted and implemented, July 12 will be observed annually in the province through appropriate commemorative activities, information campaigns, and educational initiatives highlighting the importance of protecting the nation's maritime domain while promoting respect for international law.
The filing of the resolution reflects the Provincial Government's support for national efforts to safeguard the Philippines' sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and to foster greater public understanding of issues affecting national sovereignty and security.
The proposal comes as the country prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of the landmark arbitral ruling next year, a decision widely regarded as one of the Philippines' most significant legal victories in defending its maritime rights on the international stage.
