The top 100 finalists of the nationwide West Philippine Sea (WPS) Mural Festival 2026 were unveiled on Tuesday during a ceremony at the National Library, celebrating Filipino artistry, patriotism, and the country's resolve to protect its maritime heritage.

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., who served as guest of honor, underscored the role of art in raising public awareness of the Philippines' sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

"I'm honored that you invited me today. These works of art are expressions of awareness and knowledge. And the task now is to bridge this into ownership, then actualization, and utilization," Teodoro said.

"Because what these murals represent are entitlements not only for us, but more importantly, for future generations of Filipinos," he added.

Organized by the We Protect Our Seas Foundation and partner agencies, the nationwide competition attracted 220 mural entries from artists, collectives, students, and community groups across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

The entries transformed public spaces into canvases highlighting Filipino creativity and national pride.

"You could also see the regional flavor from the north to the south of the different artists, which we want to encourage and preserve. Our ethnic diversity is something that we should be proud of, respect, and learn from," Teodoro said.

Joining Teodoro in recognizing the finalists were WPS Mural Festival Director AG Saño, filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and other government officials.

"(A)ng talent and creativity, ang industriousness ng Pilipino, hindi lang dama rito, dama sa buong mundo," Teodoro said.

"Because the Filipino is not only a citizen of the Philippines, but a good citizen of the world, unlike other countries."

Teodoro also congratulated the organizers and participating artists for helping promote awareness of the country's maritime and archipelagic heritage as the nation marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award.

"This week will be West Philippine Sea Victory Week. And it is something that we should evolve and do every year come July," he said.