It was a privilege to join over 400 friends, partners, and colleagues from government, academia, think tanks, civil society, the diplomatic community, the private sector, and the media at the National West Philippine Sea Summit commemorating the 10th anniversary of the South China Sea Arbitral Award.
My special thanks to Defense Secretary @giboteodoro @dndphl and National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban @nscphilippines for their clear-eyed and insightful keynote addresses, which underscored the importance of cascading knowledge, strengthening public understanding, and building national resolve in defending our maritime rights and interests.
I also extend my sincere appreciation to @wps_ph and Dr @JeffreyOrdaniel for convening a truly national and multi-sectoral commemoration. Indeed, this celebration does not belong behind closed doors. This belongs to the Filipino people. And so does the responsibility to preserve, defend, and pass on the legacy of the 2016 Arbitral Award to future generations.
