SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Philippine Fleet conducted a strategic communication seminar Thursday, July 9, at the Naval Operating Base–Subic to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award and strengthen personnel awareness of maritime issues in the West Philippine Sea.

The seminar, held in a hybrid format, gathered Fleet personnel at the base’s audio-visual room, while personnel aboard Philippine Fleet vessels joined virtually through Zoom.

Discussions centered on the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award to the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights and maritime interests. The seminar also highlighted the country’s maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and emphasized the importance of upholding international law and a rules-based maritime order in promoting peace, stability and cooperation at sea.

Participants viewed two advocacy videos during the seminar. The first, Kanluran, produced by the Philippine Navy’s Civil Military Operations Group, focused on the Filipino people’s connection to the West Philippine Sea and the shared responsibility of protecting the country’s maritime rights and interests.

A second presentation by the Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office underscored the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award and reaffirmed the importance of adherence to international law and a rules-based maritime order.

The Philippine Fleet said the seminar is part of its continuing Strategic Communication Program aimed at improving personnel understanding of key maritime issues, promoting consistent communication and reinforcing support for the protection of the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and maritime interests. (PR)

: S1JO SB C Hugo PN