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) through localized governance and community-based initiatives.

Under the Bayanihang Aksiyon para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas program, the DILG is working with the 10 provinces fronting the West Philippine Sea to institutionalize programs on marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, food security, resilient livelihoods, and coastal resource management.

Central to the initiative are Provincial Action Plans, which translate national maritime priorities into local programs under a Whole-of-Area Approach.

Provincial caravans have already been completed in Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, and Bataan, bringing together local officials, fisherfolk, civil society groups, youth organizations, and national government agencies.

The initiative has also led to institutional reforms, with Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Bataanestablishing West Philippine Sea Councils through local ordinances. Zambales adopted a resolution creating its council, while Occidental Mindoro established its council through an executive order.

The remaining provincial caravans in Batangas and Batanes are being finalized to complete the program's rollout.

The DILG said it continues to work with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Institute of Environmental Governance, Tanggol Kalikasan, regional offices, and provincial governments to strengthen local institutions and expand partnerships supporting marine conservation and sustainable coastal development.

"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," the DILG said.