The Department of Agriculture (DA) joined the country in its commitment to upholding international law, safeguarding the nation’s maritime rights, and expressing solidarity with Filipino fisherfolk and coastal communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the Alay Lakad para sa Dagat: National Peace Walk 2026.
Held at the Quirino Grandstand on July 12, the event commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which unanimously ruled in favor of the Philippines and affirmed its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and defined features in the WPS, thus invalidating China’s “nine-dash line” claims.
The Peace Walk was joined by thousands of representatives from various national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), uniformed services, civil society organizations, and private sector partners.
As a member agency of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), the Department reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace, national unity, and sustainable development in the West Philippine Sea.
On behalf of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Assistant Secretary for the Implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 70, Series of 2018 and NTF-WPS James A. Layug led the DA delegation, proudly carrying a banner declaring unity and celebration of Philippine sovereignty.
Beyond its participation in the Peace Walk, the DA Office of the Assistant Secretary for the Implementation of EO No. 70 and NTF-WPS continues to champion peace through development by implementing programs that strengthen food security, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture and fisheries in strategically located island communities such as the Pag-asa Island. In close partnership with the Kalayaan LGU in Palawan, the Department remains committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable development that directly benefits the island’s residents and reinforces the government’s whole-of-nation approach in the WPS.
Central to these efforts is the Pag-asa Island Integrated Agri-Fisheries Development Initiatives, a multi-agency undertaking in close partnership with the Kalayaan LGU, DA-Regional Field Office MIMAROPA, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coconut Authority, National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program, Department of Trade and Industry, and other government partners.
The initiative primarily benefits the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (KPFFA) and the Spratly’s Strong and Brave Women’s Association (SSBWA) through sustainable livelihood opportunities, capacity building, and agricultural and fisheries development programs.
