Blessed Movement chairman Herbert Martinez (extreme left) with youth leaders protest China at the block showing of the docu-film 'Food Delivery'. (Photo from the FDNY Movement/Bong Son)
PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN — Nine lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, hailing from both the majority and minority, are set to participate in the Atin Ito West Philippine Sea (WPS) Pulong Bayan on March 23, 2026, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, where they will engage in dialogue with fisherfolk, frontliners, local government leaders, and students on pressing issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea.
Organized by Atin Ito, the civil society coalition behind three historic civilian supply missions to the West Philippine Sea, the day-long event aims to provide a meaningful platform for multi-sectoral discussions on national sovereignty, livelihoods, and regional security.
“We are very encouraged by our lawmakers’ show of unity and solidarity in crossing party lines to support the cause of the West Philippine Sea,” said Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David.
“Muli nating pinapatunayan na bagama’t may kanya-kanya tayong mga paniniwala, sa usapin ng West Philippine Sea, tayo ay nagkakaisa,” David stressed.
Lawmakers expected to attend include Senator Erwin Tulfo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan (via video message); Malabon Representative Antolin “Lenlen” Aquino Oreta, Chair of the House Committee on the West Philippine Sea; Puerto Princesa 3rd District Representative Gil Acosta; Bukidnon First District Representative Jose Manuel Alba; Akbayan Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula; and Pinoy Workers Representative Franz Legaspi.
Also confirmed to participate are officials from the Municipality of Kalayaan, collectively known as the “Kalayaan 16,” along with Puerto Princesa local government officials, leaders of various fisherfolk groups and student organizations, and representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy. They will be joined by Atin Ito leaders Edicio Dela Torre, President of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), and Rafaela David, President of Akbayan Party.
The event will open with a fisherfolk dialogue at 10:00 AM at ACM BM Beach Resort, expected to bring together at least 100 fisherfolk leaders, lawmakers, and key stakeholders for focused discussions on maritime livelihoods and security.
In the afternoon, a student assembly will be held at 2:00 PM at the Puerto Princesa Convention Center, with more than a thousand participants expected to attend. The session will broaden the conversation to include youth perspectives and public engagement on West Philippine Sea issues.
The Pulong Bayan forms part of Atin Ito’s build-up towards its fourth civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea, particularly to Pag-asa Island, scheduled this April.
