A multi-party group of lawmakers formally moved on Thursday to recognize the residents and officials of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in Palawan as the “Outstanding Filipinos of 2026.”
House Resolution No. 780, introduced by the self-titled “West Philippine Sea Bloc,” seeks to commend the community for its “steadfast commitment to national interests” and its defiance against persistent maritime aggression in the region. The bloc includes Representatives Dadah Kiram Ismula, Chel Diokno, and Percival Cendaña (Akbayan); Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands); Krisel Lagman (Albay); and Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal).
The resolution specifically honors 16 local officials who were recently issued with a travel ban by the Chinese government. The ban, announced by the Chinese Embassy on February 10, prevents these officials from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
This diplomatic friction followed a January 27 resolution by the Kalayaan municipal council, which declared the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines persona non grata in their jurisdiction. The local leaders cited “interference and intimidation” against Philippine maritime officers as the primary reason for their move.
“The people of the KIG have demonstrated collective courage and resilience by continuing to live and serve in a strategically vital area of the republic,” the resolution states.
The KIG, which includes Pag-asa Island, is the smallest municipality in the Philippines but sits at the geographical forefront of the country’s territorial claims. Rep. Cendaña emphasized that the resolution is a promise of “steadfast commitment” to those living at the epicenter of maritime tensions.
The 16 officials formally commended in the resolution for their “courage and fortitude” include:
• Mayor: Beltzasar Alindogan
• Vice Mayor: Maurice Phillip Alexis Albayda
• Councilors & Officials: Nonelon Balbontin, Nonie Gapuz, Roberto Asiado, Hubert Llavan, Francis Polizon, Marilou Vales, Monico Abogado, Eugenio Bito-onon, Hermoso Ornopia, Tracylie Shierjun Malabayabas, Arzel Belidan, Vicencio Milan, Allan Dellosa, and Mary Cristina Lagrosa.
