Marking the July 12 anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, 220 murals were completed nationwide as part of the West Philippine Sea Mural Festival, appearing in schools, markets, military camps, community centers, municipal halls and public spaces across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
From those entries, 100 murals were selected to receive a cash prize of 30,000 pesos and advance to the next competition stage, where participants will vie for a grand prize of 1 million pesos and additional awards.
The 100 selected works will also be considered for a People’s Choice Award, allowing the public to vote for their favorite mural in the coming weeks.
Winners in all categories will be announced during the Grand Finals scheduled for November, and the ceremony will feature presentations of special awards.
Among the winning pieces, a mural in Barangay Pag‑asa, Kalayaan, Palawan, stands out for its location within the West Philippine Sea. It reflects the local community’s connection to the maritime region.
The festival engaged artists, schools, local governments and community members, turning an initial call for artwork into a collaborative effort across more than 40 cities, municipalities and communities.
While public discourse often centers on territorial disputes and geopolitics, many of the winning murals emphasized themes of hope, livelihood, unity, cultural heritage and marine stewardship.
The artworks paid tribute to fisherfolk and coastal communities, drawing inspiration from Philippine maritime history, indigenous traditions, the historic 1734 Murillo Velarde map, the naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre and the nation’s identity as a seafaring people.
Organizers highlighted that the West Philippine Sea represents more than a geographic location; it is integral to the country’s history, economy and collective future, and every citizen can contribute to preserving its story through various means.
The festival demonstrated that patriotism can begin with active participation, turning each mural into a landmark that reflects a nation’s commitment to remember, celebrate and protect its heritage.
