http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12174/15 2026-04-05T17:01:18Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12174/17499 Beijing cites NAMRIA map showing Scarborough Shoal excluded; DFA rejects 'misleading' assertion Talosig-Bartolome, Malou; Mayuga, Jonathan The territorial dispute in the South China Sea between Manila and Beijing has intensified after the Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed that the Philippine National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) itself once certified that the country’s territorial boundaries excluded Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). In a March 19 Facebook post, Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei cited a 1994 NAMRIA document titled “Certification of Territorial Boundary of the Republic of the Philippines.” 2026-03-21T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12174/17498 Lawmakers, stakeholders to convene for ‘Atin Ito’ West Philippine Sea dialogue in Palawan Dela Cruz, Jovee Marie Nine lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives are set to participate in the “Atin Ito West Philippine Sea (WPS) Pulong Bayan” on Monday, March 23, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, where they will engage fisherfolk, frontliners, local government officials, and students in discussions on key issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea. Organized by Atin Ito, a civil society coalition behind three civilian supply missions to the contested waters, the day-long event aims to serve as a platform for multi-sectoral dialogue on national sovereignty, livelihoods, and regional security. Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David welcomed the participation of lawmakers across party lines, noting it reflects unity on issues concerning the West Philippine Sea. 2026-03-21T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12174/17497 PHL, China nearing Coast Guard cooperation pact Talosig-Bartolome, Malou The Philippines and China are close to sealing a landmark Coast Guard cooperation agreement, with the text now “95 percent complete,” Chinese Ambassador to Manila Jing Quan said, signaling a possible easing of maritime tensions. The Philippine and Chinese Coast Guards have repeatedly clashed in contested waters over the past few years. Incidents have included the use of water cannons and ramming of Philippine vessels, harassment of Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal, and dangerous maneuvers to block resupply missions at Second Thomas Shoal. 2026-03-20T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12174/17496 Rising threats, fading shields: Philippines convenes to save its mangroves Mascariñas, Erwin Amid the rising threats to the coastal communities throughout the archipelago from intensified storms, rising sea levels, shifting coastlines, and infrastructure developments that challenge science based conservation initiatives, hundreds of stakeholders from across the country will converge in Quezon City for the Philippine Mangrove Conference 2026. Set on March 24 to 26, anchored on the theme “Ensuring Accountable Pathways for Resilient Communities,” the inaugural national conference organized by the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) Philippines together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau will integrate science, policy, innovation, and community voices into the gathering. 2026-03-21T00:00:00Z