12/07/2026
Look: 10th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling | 3rd West Philippine Sea Victory Day
July 12, 2026 | PGP Convention Center, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
One Nation. One Voice. One West Philippine Sea.
More than 2,000 PalaweΓ±os came together in a powerful display of patriotism and unity as the Province of Palawan commemorated the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award and the 3rd West Philippine Sea Victory Day. The celebration began with a Solidarity Mass, followed by the Victory Parade that brought together national and local leaders, uniformed personnel, government employees, fisherfolk, youth, civil society organizations, people's organizations, academic institutions, and concerned citizens, all marching with one purpose: to affirm that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Filipino people.
The parade featured the Colors, Marching Band, ceremonial banner, VIPs and elected officials, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and partner uniformed services, the float, Provincial Government of Palawan employees, LGU Kalayaan employees, academic institutions, drum and lyre corps, fisherfolk, people's organizations, and a motorcade, reflecting the unity of every sector in defending the country's sovereign rights.
Held at the PGP Convention Center, the commemorative program featured inspiring messages from national and local leaders, including Vice Mayor MP Albayda , Akbayan Representative Perci CendaΓ±a, and other distinguished guests. Renowned folk singer Noel Cabangon also joined the celebration, lending his voice to the continuing call for unity, patriotism, and peaceful assertion of the Philippines' lawful rights.
The Atin Ito Coalition, led by Convenor Rafaela David, stood alongside the Provincial Government of Palawan, together with the Municipal Government of Kalayaan Province of Palawan, Philippines and thousands of participants in reaffirming that the 2016 Arbitral Award remains a historic legal victory that upheld the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea while rejecting China's sweeping maritime claims. More importantly, the ruling serves as a continuing call to protect our sovereignty, uphold international law, and safeguard the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk whose lives depend on these waters.
Today, we honor the courage of our fisherfolk, the dedication of our frontliners, and the unwavering resolve of every Filipino who continues to stand for what is rightfully ours.
The 2016 Arbitral Award is not merely a victory of law. It is a victory of truth, justice, and national dignity. It reminds the world that our sovereignty is not measured by the size of our nation, but by the strength of our resolve to defend it.
The West Philippine Sea is ours. Our sovereignty is non-negotiable. Our unity is our greatest strength.
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