The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with various sectors in promoting concrete efforts to protect the West Philippine Sea, highlighting art as a powerful platform to foster unity and patriotism.
In line with the country’s observance of Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, the agency called on Filipinos to remain engaged, informed, and united in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and marine resources for future generations.
Representing Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla during the West Philippine Sea Mural Festival 2026, Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian de Leon emphasized that the issue goes beyond territorial disputes.
“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,’’ de Leon said.
Carrying the theme “Kulayan ang Karagatan para sa Kalayaan,” the mural festival paid tribute to Filipino bravery while reinforcing the collective duty to protect the country’s maritime domain.
De Leon also highlighted the DILG’s grassroots advocacy through its program “Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksiyon Para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas,” which brings together government agencies, civil society groups, academic institutions, the Institute for Environmental Governance, private sector partners, and ten coastal provinces to develop localized action plans. These include the establishment of local councils to ensure coordinated and sustainable responses.
“This shows that protecting our seas is not only a national mandate. It is a shared responsibility of communities working together,” she added.
The event gathered Filipino artists, students, volunteers, and representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other government agencies in a collective display of patriotism through art.