Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City on April 27, 2024 (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)
MANILA – Thirty-four local government units (LGUs) have expressed support in upholding Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid China's aggressive actions, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
Abalos said the DILG received manifestations of support to protect the country's interests in the WPS.
"They came together to express support in safeguarding the Philippine Sea at tiningnan namin anong mga kailangan nila – mga patubig ba ito, mga pa-ilaw, etcetera (and we are identifying what they need -- water, electricity, etcetera)," he said.
The resolutions were among the outcomes of the DILG's first National Summit for the West Philippine Sea held last year.
It aimed to create a common vision and develop a plan of action for a more secured, sustainable, prosperous future for the WPS, particularly among LGUs in coastal areas.
In his speech during the 503rd commemoration of the Victory of Mactan at Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu also on Saturday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed Filipinos for their patriotism as shown by their collective effort to assert sovereign rights aligned with international law and order.
President Marcos said patriotism can be seen in every Filipino through their valor and selfless participation for nation-building.
“Ito ay nakikita sa pagmamahal natin sa ating kapwa, pag-aaruga sa mga napinsala, pagtulong sa mga nagdarahop, at pagtanggol sa mga inaapi (This [patriotism] can be demonstrated by our love for others, caring for the afflicted, helping the impoverished, and protecting the oppressed,” Marcos said.
“Ito ay nakikita sa matapang nating paggiit sa ating karapatan at sa pagtanggol kung ano ang atin ayon sa ilalim ng batas, sang-ayon sa pandaigdigang kaayusan at sa mata ng ating Diyos (This is also demonstrated by fighting for our rights and defending our sovereignty in accordance with law and international order, as well as in the eyes of God),” he added.
The Philippines' tough stand against China is one of the reasons why the President was named one of the world's 100 most influential people by the 99-year-old American publication Time Magazine. (PNA)
