PBBM ORDERS ADOPTION OF LOCAL NAMES FOR 131 KALAYAAN ISLAND FEATURES IN PALAWAN, WPS

MORE than 100 Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) features will have Philippine names following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s issuance of Executive Order No. 111, which strengthens administration and governance, as well as sovereignty, in Palawan and the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

President Marcos issued the EO last March 26 in line with existing maritime laws and policies.

Under EO No. 57, the National Maritime Council (NMC) recommended the adoption of the standard set of Philippine names for 131 features of the KIG located in Kalayaan, Palawan, and the WPS.

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.

Republic Act 12064, or the “Philippine Maritime Zones Act,” the maritime zones of the Philippines on the western side of the Philippines archipelago, 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.

The EO also directed the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) to produce and publish updated charts and maps that reflect the names set forth in the issuance.

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

Moreover, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and all state universities and colleges are to use the standard names in educational and training institutions, particularly in conducting research, publishing textbooks, and preparing educational or instructional materials.