Baguio City has officially declared July 12 as West Philippine Sea Awareness Day to support national efforts in raising public awareness about the country's maritime rights.Mayor Benjamin Magalong approved City Council Resolution No.546, series of 2026, which institutionalizes the annual observance in the city.

The resolution aims to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016 Arbitral Award, which resolved the Philippines' dispute with China over the South China Sea.The observance will focus on information, education, and civic activities, with no special working or non-working holiday status.

The city government is encouraged to hold annual events such as flag-raising ceremonies, public forums, and symposiums with schools and civil society organizations.

Additionally, the resolution authorizes coordination with the National Maritime Council and other government agencies to align local activities with the national awareness campaign.Funding for these activities will follow existing budgeting laws.The resolution was unanimously adopted during the City Council's regular session on June 22.

The observance will highlight the significance of the 2016 ruling, which invalidated China's 'nine-dash line' claims and affirmed the Philippines' rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).This initiative underscores Baguio's commitment to promoting maritime awareness and supporting national sovereignty in the region.