MASINLOC, Zambales – The Provincial Government of Zambales joined national government officials, military leaders, and coastal communities in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award on July 10, 2026, reaffirming the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and its commitment to protecting the welfare of Filipino fishermen.
Held in Masinloc under the theme “Bayanihan sa Karagatan: Liwanag ng Kalayaan, Tanglaw ng Karagatan,” the event was led by Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. and Department of National Defence Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro Jr. Also in attendance were Second District Representative Doris Maniquiz, Masinloc Mayor Hazel Lim, Lieutenant General Aristotle D. Gonzales, PAF, Commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM); Lieutenant General Arvin R. Lagamon, PA, Commander of the Civil-Military Operations Command; and Captain Gregory Gerald V. Fabic, PN (GSC), Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations (N7).
In his message, Governor Ebdane underscored the significance of the Arbitral Award as a symbol of the Philippines’ lawful and peaceful assertion of its maritime rights. He noted that Zambales was among the local government units consulted by the national government during the preparation of the country’s legal position on the West Philippine Sea and cited the 2011 resolution of the Municipality of Masinloc declaring Bajo de Masinloc as part of its territorial jurisdiction.
The governor also paid tribute to Zambaleño fishermen, describing them as frontliners in the country’s continuing assertion of its rights. He highlighted the provincial government’s initiatives to support coastal communities, including the organization of fishermen’s cooperatives, deployment of additional fish aggregating devices (payao), procurement of rescue boats and steel-hull motorized vessels, and training programs on deep-sea fishing and coastal preparedness.
Secretary Teodoro emphasized the importance of strengthening both maritime security and the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen. He said the national government will continue pursuing initiatives to improve fisheries infrastructure, including cold storage facilities and other programs that reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen the fisheries supply chain, and increase economic opportunities for fishing communities.
Mayor Hazel Lim likewise expressed the Municipality of Masinloc’s full support for the national government’s efforts to uphold the country’s sovereign rights and protect the welfare of local fishermen.
The commemoration concluded with a renewed call for unity in defending the West Philippine Sea while promoting peace, adherence to international law, and sustainable development for present and future generations of Filipinos. (Dante M. Salvana)