MASINLOC, Zambales – The Provincial Government of Zambales reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea as it commemorated the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award, highlighting the province’s longstanding role in defending the nation’s maritime interests while strengthening support for coastal communities and local fishermen.
Held in Masinloc under the theme “Bayanihan sa Karagatan: Liwanag ng Kalayaan, Tanglaw ng Karagatan” (Unity at Sea: Light of Freedom, Beacon of the Seas), the commemoration brought together national and local government leaders, military officials, fisherfolk, and community stakeholders in honoring the historic legal victory that affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under international law.
Leading the celebration were Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., Department of National Defence Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro Jr., Second District Representative Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz, and Masinloc Mayor Hazel Lim, who expressed the municipality’s full support for the national government’s efforts to uphold the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
The program was also attended by senior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, led by 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), underscoring the military’s continued commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime interests and supporting coastal communities.
Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. and Department of National Defence Secretary Gilbert C. “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. leads the ceremonial turnover of fishing gear, including fishing lines and batteries, as well as 3,500 family food packs to fisherfolk during the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award held in Masinloc, Zambales on July 10, 2026. The assistance underscores the national government’s continued commitment to supporting the livelihood and welfare of Filipino fishermen while reaffirming the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Governor Ebdane said the anniversary serves not only as a celebration of the country’s legal triumph but also as a reminder that safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty requires unity and collective action.
“The defense of our sovereign rights is not the responsibility of a few alone. It calls for bayanihan—a shared commitment to protect our seas, uphold our national dignity, and secure the future of generations of Filipinos,” Governor Ebdane said.
The governor emphasized that Zambales has played a significant role in the country’s pursuit of the arbitral case, noting that the province was among the local government units consulted by the national government during the preparation of the Philippines’ legal position on the West Philippine Sea.
He also cited the March 16, 2011 resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Masinloc formally declaring Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) as part of the municipality’s territorial jurisdiction, underscoring the province’s long-standing assertion of its historical and legal ties to the area.
Governor Ebdane paid tribute to the province’s fishermen, describing them as the “living proof” of the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“Our fishermen continue to face enormous challenges at sea, yet they remain steadfast. Their welfare remains at the heart of our efforts, and we will continue working to ensure that they have the support they need to sustain their livelihoods,” he said.
To strengthen the fishing sector, the Provincial Government continues to implement programs aimed at improving the resilience and productivity of coastal communities. These initiatives include the organization of fishermen’s cooperatives, deployment of additional fish aggregating devices (payao), procurement of rescue boats, acquisition of steel-hull motorized vessels to serve as fish harvesters, training on deep-sea fishing techniques, and the development of coordinated patrols and an early warning system to enhance the safety and preparedness of coastal communities.
Deapartment of National Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro emphasized the need to strengthen both maritime security and the economic resilience of Filipino fishermen, noting that declining fish stocks worldwide require the country to invest in sustainable fisheries, modern infrastructure, and stronger support systems.
Among the priorities he identified was the establishment of cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, strengthen the fisheries supply chain, and create opportunities for value-adding and export. He also underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the national government, local government units, and coastal communities in ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of those living along the country’s maritime frontier.
Mayor Hazel Lim reaffirmed the Municipality of Masinloc’s commitment to supporting initiatives that protect the welfare of local fishermen and uphold the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea, recognizing Masinloc’s historic and strategic role in the continuing assertion of Philippine sovereignty.
The event concluded with a renewed call for unity among Filipinos in defending the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea while continuing to pursue peace, uphold international law, and promote the welfare of Filipino fishermen.
As the nation marks a decade since the historic arbitral ruling, the Provincial Government of Zambales reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the national government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and coastal communities in advancing programs that protect both the country’s maritime interests and the livelihoods of the Filipino people.