President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 111, directing government agencies to use official Philippine names for 131 maritime features in the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea. Signed on March 26 and made public on March 31, the order seeks to standardize names for efficient administration and sovereignty exercise.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 111 on March 26, which was made public only on March 31. The order directs all executive branch agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, to use official Philippine names for 131 features in the Kalayaan Island Group, part of Kalayaan municipality in Palawan province.
The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) is tasked to produce and publish updated charts and maps using these names, also reflecting Philippine maritime zones as per the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. It cites Executive Order No. 57 from the National Maritime Council, stating that standard Philippine names are imperative for efficient administration, governance of the area, and exercise of the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
Education agencies, including the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, as well as state universities and colleges, must incorporate the updated maps in teaching, research, textbooks, and instructional materials.
The Philippines occupies nine of the 131 features, while China holds eight, including Panganiban (Mischief) Reef. Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad noted that 90 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels were monitored in the West Philippine Sea last month, with the Armed Forces committing to document intrusions and maintain a professional presence to protect national patrimony.