MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is working with 10 provinces fronting the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to institutionalize localized governance mechanisms that advance marine conservation, sustainable coastal development, and resilient communities.

Through the Bayanihang Aksiyon para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas, DILG seeks to strengthen the role of local government units (LGUs) in protecting the WPS, pointing out that the country’s maritime interests are best defended through strong local governance, empowered communities, and sustained action on the ground.

At the heart of the initiative are Provincial Action Plans (PAPs) that transform national priorities into concrete local programs and strengthen the capacity of LGUs to lead efforts under the program.

To date, the DILG has completed provincial caravans in Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, and Bataan, bringing local officials, national government agencies, fisherfolk, and development partners to accelerate the implementation of their respective PAPs.

Provincial caravans in Batangas and Batanes are being finalized to complete the rollout across all 10 participating provinces fronting the West Philippine Sea.

The Bayanihang Aksiyon para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas initiative is also producing lasting institutional reforms, as Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Bataan have enacted ordinances establishing their West Philippine Sea Councils.

Likewise, Zambales has adopted a resolution toward this end, while Occidental Mindoro has created its council through an executive order.

DILG said these permanent local mechanisms ensure that efforts to protect the West Philippine Sea remain sustained, coordinated, and responsive to local realities.

“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 explained.

“By strengthening our LGUs, we are strengthening the country’s capacity to protect our marine resources, secure the livelihoods of our fisherfolk, preserve our rich marine biodiversity, and uphold our sovereign rights for generations to come,” it added. ▲