The top 100 finalists of the nationwide West Philippine Sea Mural Festival 2026 were unveiled on Tuesday, July 7, at the National Library, showcasing Filipino artistry, patriotism, and the country’s resolve to defend its maritime heritage.
Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. said the festival helps deepen public awareness of the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea through art.
“I’m honored that you invited me today. These works of art are expressions of awareness and knowledge. And the task now is to bridge this into ownership, then actualization, and utilization,” Teodoro said.
“Because what these murals represent are entitlements of not only us, but more importantly, future generations of Filipinos,” he added.
Organized by the We Protect our Seas Foundation and partner agencies, the open call drew 220 mural entries from artists, collectives, students, and community groups across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The entries transformed public spaces into canvases of Filipino creativity and national pride, reflecting different perspectives on the country’s maritime and archipelagic identity.
“You could also see the regional flavor from the north to the south of the different artists, which we want to encourage; we want to preserve. Our ethnic diversity is something that we should be proud of, we should respect, and we should learn from one another,” Teodoro said.
Teodoro joined WPS Mural Festival Director AG Saño, film director Baby Ruth Villarama, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, Philippine Coast Guard Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and other government officials in recognizing the finalists.
“(A)ng talent and creativity, ang industriousness ng Pilipino, hindi lang dama naman dito, dama sa buong mundo,” Teodoro said.
“Because the Filipino is not only a citizen of the Philippines, but a good citizen of the world, unlike other countries,” he added.
The defense chief congratulated the organizers and participating artists for helping strengthen public consciousness of the country’s maritime heritage as the Philippines commemorates the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award.
“This week will be West Philippine Sea Victory Week. And it is something that we should evolve and do every year come July,” Teodoro said.