The Cebu Provincial Board has reiterated its position on the country's maritime sovereignty amid the ongoing West Philippine Sea conflict, while simultaneously aiming to expand the local fishing industry. Through a resolution authored by Board Member Antonio Bacaltos Jr., the province seeks to commemorate the historic victory of the Philippines under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on July 12, 2026, exactly ten years after the Arbitral ruling.
Resolution Highlights Sovereignty and Support for Fisherfolk
This move aims to demonstrate the province's commitment to stand united that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Philippines. Bacaltos Jr. called on local governments to actively create local policies, maritime law enforcement programs, and special socio-economic safety nets to ensure the welfare of local fisherfolk.
The resolution also aims to enhance the province's food security, as Cebu's fishing industry remains economically vulnerable due to external maritime disturbances. Bacaltos Jr. emphasized that the development of cold chain facilities and regional infrastructure, such as the People's Food Centers in Carcar City and Medellin Municipality, as well as the proposed food hub in Naga City, will protect farmers and fisherfolk from market disruptions.
Chinese Scholars Claim Batanes
At an academic symposium at Jinan University in Guangzhou on June 30, Chinese scholars claimed that Batanes is part of their territory. According to a report by Business Mirror on Thursday, July 9, Ju Hailong, Dean of the School of International Studies at Jinan University, stated that the Batanes islands are a natural geographical extension of Taiwan.
NHCP Condemns Claim
This claim was condemned by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) through a statement on Friday, July 10. “Current satellite and oceanographic data by the Philippines and other nations clearly show a continuous shelf extending from Northern Luzon through the Babuyan & Batanes Islands,” the NHCP stated. “We also call on all parties, especially reputable academic institutions, to be true researchers and academics. Knowledge can only be true if grounded on good faith. No amount of fabrication will erase the truths of our past,” the office added.
The Arbitral Tribunal unanimously granted the Philippines legal sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea on July 12, 2016, dismissing China's nine-dash-line claims.
