The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has launched a group of 34 local government units (LGUs) supporting government efforts to protect the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The DILG has identified the group as its first ever “National Summit of the West Philippine Sea LGUs.”

The group is supported by stakeholders expressing support in safeguarding the WPS.

In a press conference in Quezon City on Saturday, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. said the LGUs facing the coastal areas of the WPS came together to assert the sovereign rights of the country over the contested waters.

“They came together to express support in safeguarding the Philippine Sea at tinitignan namin anong mga kailangan nila – mga patubig ba ito, mga pa-ilaw, etc., so sunod-sunod ito,” Secretary Abalos told reporters.

“At dahil dito, it was highlighted by the formulation of provincial follow up actions as their commitment to paving the way for a more secured, sustainable, prosperous West Philippine Sea. Ito ‘yung mga LGUs facing the coastal area of the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

According to Abalos, the DILG has received “manifestations to resolutions” from the LGUs expressing their intent. | PND