131 features in Kalayaan Island Group to get standard Philippine names

This strengthens the country’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.

Through Executive Order No. 111, which was signed last March 26, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. dcelared that 131 features of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will get Filipino names.

This directive is in line with existing maritime laws and policies, such as EO No. 57, whete the the National Maritime Council (NMC) recommended the adoption of the standard set of Philippine names for 131 features of the KIG located in the islands off Palawan.

The NMC stated that it is “imperative to adopt a standard set of Philippine names for maritime features in the KIG to ensure efficient administration and governance of the area and to exercise the country’s sovereignty in the WPS.”

In addition to that, Republic Act No. 12064 (the “Philippine Maritime Zones Act”) also emphasized that the western maritime zones of the Philippines—including the Luzon Sea and the territorial seas of Bajo de Masinloc and the maritime features of the KIG—shall be collectively called the West Philippine Sea.

Under which, the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) was also directed to produce and publish updated charts and maps that reflect the names.

All national government agencies, instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions, to use the names set forth in the EO in all official communications, messages, and documents.

The key education-related agencies, led by the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as well as all state universities and colleges (SUCs), were also given instructions in the EO.

Collectively, they must use the standard names in “educational and training institutions, particularly in conducting research, publishing textbooks, and preparing educational or instructional materials.”

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