Day 2 of the National WPS Summit Highlights the Enduring Significance of the Arbitral Award

MANILA, Philippines —The National West Philippine Sea Summit concluded with a full day of policy dialogue, public engagement, and national reflection as the Philippines commemorated the 10th year of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

Day 2 featured high-level discussions on the facts, impact, and enduring relevance of the Award; the intersection of national security and foreign policy; and the urgent need to build a stronger national consensus on the West Philippine Sea.

A key highlight of the day was the keynote address of Secretary of National Defense Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr., who underscored the importance of national resolve, strategic clarity, and sustained public engagements on the Philippines’ maritime rights and interests. He emphasized that in a democracy like the Philippines, leaders and institutions must always answer to the electorate—making public awareness, civic engagement, and principled national consensus essential to any durable West Philippine Sea strategy.

The Summit brought together government leaders, scholars, legal experts, security practitioners, civil society leaders, opinion-makers, and the media from across the country—all united by a shared commitment to the rule of law and the defense of the West Philippine Sea.

As the Summit came to a close, one message stood out clearly: We cannot defend what we do not understand.

Catch the Day 2 highlights here.
Watch the full summit sessions here.