RESOLUTION DECLARING JULY 12, 2026, AS THE "10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA VICTORY DAY" IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ROXAS, ORIENTAL MINDORO, CELEBRATING THE HISTORIC ARBITRAL RULING AND REAFFIRMING THE MUNICIPALITY'S UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY

WHEREAS, Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, provides that every local government unit shall exercise the powers necessary for its efficient and effective governance, which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare;

WHEREAS, Section 2 of Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens;

WHEREAS, on July 12, 2016, the Arbitral Tribunal constituted under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) rendered its landmark Award in the arbitration initiated by the Republic of the Philippines against the People's Republic of China, affirming the Philippines' maritime entitlements under international law and declaring that China's "nine-dash line" claim has no legal basis under UNCLOS;

WHEREAS, the year 2026 marks the 10th Anniversary of the historic Arbitral Award, a milestone that symbolizes the Filipino people's steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the protection of the country's sovereign rights over its maritime zones;

WHEREAS, the Municipality of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, being a coastal municipality whose people derive livelihood, food security, and economic opportunities from marine and coastal resources, recognizes the significance of protecting the country's maritime rights and ensuring the sustainable utilization of its marine wealth for present and future generations;

WHEREAS, the observance of the 10th Anniversary of the West Philippine Sea Victory Day serves as a meaningful occasion to strengthen patriotism, deepen public awareness of the country's maritime rights and responsibilities, honor the courage and sacrifices of Filipino fishermen, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other government agencies entrusted with safeguarding the nation's maritime interests;

WHEREAS, this observance also underscores the Municipality's commitment to uphold the principles of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, respect for international law, environmental stewardship, peaceful diplomacy, and the preservation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity;

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper for the Sangguniang Bayan of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro to officially commemorate this historic occasion and express its solidarity with the Filipino people in recognizing the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award as a milestone in the country's pursuit of justice, peace, and the rule of law;

NOW THEREFORE, on motion of Councilor Gualberto V. Magno and on mass sponsorship —

BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, to declare July 12, 2026, as the "10th Anniversary of the West Philippine Sea Victory Day" in the Municipality of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, in commemoration of the historic 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Municipality of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro reaffirms its unwavering support for the protection and promotion of the Philippines' sovereign rights, national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, international law, and the principles embodied in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

RESOLVED FINALLY, that copies of this Resolution be furnished to the Office of the President of the Philippines, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all concerned agencies for their information and appropriate action.

Adopted: 20 July 2026