(NYMWPS) — On July 12, 2016, the Philippines achieved a historic victory at the Arbitral Tribunal regarding its sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. This landmark ruling not only affirmed the Philippines’ territorial claims but also served as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Filipino people in defending the sovereignty.
The National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea, a peaceful, non-partisan and transglobal organization that has been advocating for the preservation of Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity since 2015, sent a letter dated July 8, 2024 to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., urgently requesting him to declare July 12 as “West Philippine Sea National Day” as a symbol of national pride and sovereignty of our beloved Philippines.
“In light of this monumental event, we are respectfully requesting your esteemed office to declare July 12 as ‘West Philippine Sea National Day’ and designate it as a national holiday. Commemorating this day annually will not only honor our victory but also serves to remind every Filipino of the importance of our territorial integrity and the rich natural resources within our maritime boundaries,” said Dr. Celia Lamkin of the CNMI and Guam, founder and global chairperson of the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea.
She said celebrating “West Philippine Sea National Day” will foster a greater sense of national unity and pride. “It will educate our citizens about the significance of this ruling and encourage the continuous defense of our territorial and sovereign rights. Moreover, incorporating this important date into our national calendar will solidify our commitment to safeguarding our sovereignty for future generations,” she added.
“This proposal aligns with our ongoing efforts to promote awareness and education about the West Philippine Sea, as highlighted in our proposal for the inclusion of the West Philippine Sea topics in the K to 12 curricula as well as integration of such topics in the post-secondary education courses. These educational initiatives will undoubtedly empower our youth with knowledge about their heritage and the importance of our maritime domains,” Lamkin added.
“The victory of our West Philippine Sea is the victory of every Filipino,” she said on July 12, 2016 when the Philippines won at the Arbitral Tribunal against China’s Nine-Dash Line claim in the West Philippine Sea.
Maverick Paul Bersalona, NYMWPS national chair, told President Marcos, “We are confident that under your leadership, we can continue to uphold and defend the sovereignty of the Philippines and sovereign rights in our West Philippine Sea.”
Lamkin concluded, “By commemorating July 12 as a national holiday, we celebrate not only a legal triumph, but also our collective strength and unity as a nation.”
