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Cordillera bands mark West Philippine Sea ruling anniversary in Baguio
BAGUIO CITY — Youth musicians from across the Cordillera region used original songs to express support for the Philippines’ maritime rights during a music advocacy event on Saturday marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 international arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea, organizers said.
The activity, dubbed “Waves of Rock: Uniting Filipinos through Music,” gathered six bands representing different provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region for a battle of the bands at Malcolm Square, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which helped organize the event.
The commemoration opened with a community bike ride led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and local cycling groups before participants gathered for performances and public information activities highlighting the significance of the July 12, 2016 arbitral award.
In his remarks during the program, Magalong encouraged young Filipinos to remember what he described as the importance of the landmark ruling and said safeguarding the country’s maritime claims also meant protecting national identity, according to the AFP.
San-aaki Band of Benguet won the competition and received a plaque and a P30,000 cash prize.
Genblend Band finished first runner-up, receiving P20,000 and a plaque, while Tarakids Band placed second runner-up with a trophy and P10,000.
Other participating bands each received P2,000 in consolation prizes.
Aside from the musical competition, residents signed a commitment wall expressing support for the West Philippine Sea, while organizers mounted photo exhibits, interactive booths and displays by participating uniformed services.
The event formed part of activities commemorating the 10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016 arbitral award issued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines in a case challenging China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
The award found no legal basis for China’s so-called “nine-dash line” claim under UNCLOS, affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone, and found several Chinese activities in the disputed waters inconsistent with the convention.
China has rejected the ruling and continues to maintain its claims in the South China Sea.
According to the AFP, additional anniversary activities in Baguio will include the unveiling of a West Philippine Sea mural, simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies in schools and information campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness of the Philippines’ maritime rights.
The AFP said the event was organized through the Northern Luzon Command, the 1st Civil Relations Group of the Civil-Military Operations Command, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-Cordillera, Joint Task Unit “Panagkaykaysa,” Youth for Peace Baguio Chapter, local government units and partner organizations.
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