The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is strengthening the role of local government units (LGUs) in protecting the West Philippine Sea (WPS), reinforcing that the country’s maritime interests are best defended through strong local governance, empowered communities, and sustained action on the ground.

Through Bayanihang Aksiyon para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas, the DILG is working with the ten provinces fronting the West Philippine Sea to institutionalize localized governance mechanisms that advance marine environmental protection, sustainable fisheries, food security, resilient livelihoods, and responsible stewardship of the country’s maritime resources.

At the heart of the initiative are Provincial Action Plans that transform national priorities into concrete local programs. Guided by the Whole-of-Area Approach, the plans strengthen the capacity of LGUs to lead efforts that protect coastal communities, conserve marine ecosystems, and support the country’s long-term maritime interests.

To date, Provincial Caravans have been completed in Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, and Bataan. These engagements have brought together local chief executives, sanggunian members, national government agencies, fisherfolk, civil society organizations, youth groups, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the implementation of their respective Provincial Action Plans.

The initiative is also producing lasting institutional reforms. Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Bataan have enacted ordinances establishing their West Philippine Sea Councils, while Zambales has adopted a resolution and Occidental Mindoro created its council through an executive order. These permanent local mechanisms ensure that efforts to protect the West Philippine Sea remain sustained, coordinated, and responsive to local realities.

The remaining Provincial Caravans in Batangas and Batanes are being finalized to complete the rollout across all ten participating provinces fronting the West Philippine Sea.

The DILG continues to work with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Institute of Environmental Governance, Tanggol Kalikasan, DILG Regional Offices, national government agencies, and provincial governments to strengthen local institutions and expand multi-sectoral partnerships that advance marine conservation, sustainable coastal development, and resilient communities.

“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. 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,” the DILG said.