Cebu City will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the historic 2016 Arbitral Award on July 12 through the West Philippine Sea Victory Day campaign. The event aims to demonstrate Filipino unity in protecting the nation's territory and rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Community Participation and Awareness
Alvin Dizon, local convenor of the Atin Ito Coalition, said the celebration is an opportunity to honor the landmark legal victory while expanding public awareness of Philippine maritime rights under international law.
"We encourage all sectors to join the commemoration and help educate the public about our sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea," Dizon said.
As part of the West Philippine Sea Victory Day campaign, partner schools and non-government organizations (NGOs) of Atin Ito in Cebu will place large streamers outside the gates of major campuses and offices to mark the occasion and show support for the country's maritime rights.
City Government Support
Cebu City, which recently approved a resolution declaring July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day, will also participate in the celebration by holding a commemorative program. The council resolution was sponsored by Councilor Paul Labra.
Rafaela David, lead convenor of the Atin Ito Coalition and President of Akbayan, hailed the declaration by Cebu City as a strong step toward enhancing awareness of Philippine maritime rights and peaceful, rules-based advocacy.
Media and Public Information Campaign
Meanwhile, convenors of Atin Ito Cebu will hold sub-sob media interviews and public information activities throughout the week to enhance awareness of the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award.
They also emphasized the importance of protecting the country's maritime rights through peaceful and lawful means.
Significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award
The 2016 Arbitral Award, issued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), invalidated China's expansive "nine-dash line" claims and affirmed the Philippines' maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea. The ruling remains a historic victory for international law and global order.
"As we commemorate this historic milestone, we call on every Cebuano to stand united in protecting our sovereignty and ensuring that future generations understand the importance of defending what rightfully belongs to the Filipino people," Dizon added.
