Baguio City has unveiled a new mural along Magsaysay Road to assert the Philippines’ maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The project, which commemorates the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, serves as a public information campaign to emphasize that the country’s sovereign entitlements within its 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) remain a national priority, according to the Baguio City Public Information Office.
Maritime Awareness Beyond the Coastline
The mural project is a collaboration between the Baguio City government, the Creative Baguio City Council, and various Philippine Army units, including the 14th Regional Community Defense Group. While Baguio is located hundreds of kilometers from the sea, Col. Emmanuel Diasen stated that the initiative aims to prove that national identity and sovereignty are not limited by geography. “Love for our country knows no distance or boundaries,” Diasen said during the unveiling ceremony on July 16.
The artwork took 35 days to complete, with work spanning from June 6 to July 10. It involved local artists and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets from the 1401st Community Defense Center. According to Lt. Col. Jojo Mascariñas, acting commander of Joint Task Unit Panagkaykaysa, the mural is designed to serve as a daily reminder to the public about the Philippines’ legitimate maritime rights.
Did you know?
The 2016 Arbitral Award, issued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), officially ruled that China’s “nine-dash line” claim lacks a legal basis.
The Legal Foundation of the West Philippine Sea Claims
The mural serves as a visual anchor for the Philippines’ position regarding the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. The ruling clarified that the Philippines holds sovereign rights within its 200-nautical-mile EEZ. Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized that the city’s participation in this campaign is about “protecting our future and ensuring the survival of our nation.”
This effort aligns with ongoing military and government public information campaigns. By integrating these themes into public art, the city government aims to educate younger generations on the importance of preserving national sovereignty for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the West Philippine Sea?
The West Philippine Sea refers to the parts of the South China Sea that fall within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone.
Why was the mural painted in Baguio?
According to Col. Emmanuel Diasen, the mural was painted in Baguio to demonstrate that national sovereignty is a concern for all Filipinos, regardless of their distance from the coastline.
What did the 2016 Arbitral Award decide?
The award affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its EEZ and declared that China’s “nine-dash line” claim has no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
How do you think public art influences national discourse on sovereignty? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more updates on national security and maritime affairs.
Related reading