The municipality of Labrador, Pangasinan, has officially declared July 12 as 'West Philippine Sea Victory Day' annually to honor the 2016 Arbitral Award that affirmed the Philippines' maritime rights.Mayor Noel Uson signed Executive Order No.

41 to commemorate the historic ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China's expansive claims in the West Philippine Sea.

This decision underscores the Philippines' sovereign rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and emphasizes the importance of protecting national patrimony and territorial integrity.

Uson highlighted that safeguarding these rights is an intergenerational duty, urging the Department of Education to integrate the legal and socio-economic significance of the West Philippine Sea into school curricula.The initiative aims to instill patriotism, respect for national heroes, and awareness of the country's maritime security among youth.

The local government will support educational activities to ensure future generations understand the importance of upholding sovereign rights peacefully and knowledgeably.