THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) strengthened the role of local government units (LGUs) in safeguarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) by helping coastal provinces establish permanent local governance mechanisms to support marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and the country's maritime interests.
The initiative resulted in institutional reforms at the local level. Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Bataan have enacted ordinances creating their respective West Philippine Sea Councils, while Zambales established its council through a resolution and Occidental Mindoro through an executive order.
According to the DILG, the councils are intended to provide permanent mechanisms for coordinating local efforts to protect the West Philippine Sea and ensure that conservation and development programs remain responsive to local conditions.
The department said Provincial Caravans for Batangas and Batanes are being finalized to complete the program's rollout in all 10 participating provinces.
The DILG said it is working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Institute of Environmental Governance, Tanggol Kalikasan, its regional offices, and provincial governments to strengthen local institutions and expand partnerships supporting marine conservation and sustainable coastal development.
"Protecting the West Philippine Sea begins long before our shores. It begins in every province that chooses to lead, every local government that chooses to act, and every community that understands what is at stake," the DILG said.
The department added that strengthening LGUs will also strengthen the country's capacity to protect marine resources, secure the livelihoods of fisherfolk, preserve marine biodiversity, and uphold the Philippines' sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
