Nearly half a million Filipino fisherfolk depend on the West Philippine Sea for their livelihoods, making the area critical not only for territorial claims but also for the country’s economy and food supply. Speaking at the 10th anniversary commemoration of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther E. Bayate emphasized that securing fishing communities is key to strengthening food security, economic resilience and national sovereign rights. Official records show 453,246 registered fisherfolk live in areas along the West Philippine Sea, with the largest groups in Palawan, followed by Pangasinan, Batangas and Cavite.
Globe Telecom welcomed Executive Order No. 119 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 13, calling it a major step to strengthen the country's cybersecurity and build public trust in digital government.