MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) on Monday, September 28, to step up efforts in safeguarding the nation’s marine territory and shielding coastal residents from foreign encroachments.
Speaking at a maritime forum, DILG Assistant Secretary Lillian De Leon emphasized that local leaders play a pivotal role in preserving the country’s archipelagic resources and protecting vulnerable coastal populations.
During the event, Mayor Hazel Lim of Masinloc, Zambales, outlined the severe economic strain the West Philippine Sea (WPS) territorial dispute has placed on local fishing families.
Lim explained that aggressive actions from Chinese vessels have barred local fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds around key reefs, drastically reducing their catch and idling expensive equipment.
“Ngayon ang nangyari po sa mga bangka, na three million (pesos) worth, ay naka-park na lang po dahil hindi na sila makalapit doon sa bahura. May mga attempt na po kami na makalapit, pero sumusunod po ang mga Chinese coast guard vessel,’’ Lim shared.
Echoing these concerns, National Maritime Council (NMC) spokesperson Alexander Lopez noted that foreign incursions directly threaten national food supply and regional livelihoods. He reassured affected municipalities that the central government is rolling out targeted assistance programs to bolster local food security.
The DILG reiterated that defending national waters demands a unified approach, combining state-level initiatives with proactive leadership from frontline LGUs and local communities.
The discussions took place as part of the 2026 Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) celebration, carrying the theme “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama Nating Alagaan.”
The forum addressed critical vulnerabilities facing coastal areas, including the persistent harassment of Filipino fisherfolk, resource gaps in government aid, and the spread of disinformation surrounding maritime rights.
Additional perspectives on the WPS situation were provided by Lt. Cmdr. Janey Anne Paloma of the Philippine Coast Guard and Mayor Beltsazar Alindogan of Kalayaan, Palawan.
Observed annually every September under Proclamation No. 316, s. 2017, MANA Mo aims to build public awareness regarding the Philippines’ archipelagic identity while mobilizing government bodies, local municipalities, and the private sector toward marine conservation and sovereignty protection.