The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a memorandum encouraging all Regional Offices (ROs), Schools Division Offices (SDOs), and public schools to participate. The Simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony will take place on July 6, 2026. It forms part of the nationwide observance of the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. The anniversary will be commemorated on July 12, 2026.
The ceremony is organized with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. It aims to raise awareness among learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and education stakeholders. Also, it highlights the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award. The activity also promotes responsible citizenship and a deeper appreciation of the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction, and commitment to the rule of law.
DepEd Memorandum at a Glance
On July 2, 2026, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued a memorandum signed by Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Atty. Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan. The memorandum provides guidelines for the participation of DepEd offices and public schools in the Simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
The directive covers all DepEd Regional Offices (ROs), Schools Division Offices (SDOs), and public elementary and secondary schools nationwide. It encourages them to hold the ceremony in their respective areas to raise awareness of the 2016 Arbitral Award and promote responsible citizenship among learners and other education stakeholders.
Download Awareness Materials | 10th Anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award
To support the nationwide observance, schools and DepEd offices may download the official awareness materials for the activity. These resources help learners, teachers, and education stakeholders understand the importance of the 2016 Arbitral Award. They also explain the country’s sovereign rights and encourage responsible citizenship among members of the school community.
The downloadable materials include information sheets, posters, presentation slides, social media captions, AVPs, and communication resources. Schools may use these materials during the Simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony and related educational activities. School heads and teachers are encouraged to use them to start meaningful discussions. These resources also help raise awareness about the commemorative event among learners and the wider school community.
The memorandum encourages participation from all DepEd Regional Offices (ROs), Schools Division Offices (SDOs), and public elementary and secondary schools nationwide.
The Simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony will take place on July 6, 2026.
The memorandum encourages, but does not require, DepEd offices, Regional Offices (ROs), Schools Division Offices (SDOs), and public schools to participate in the observance.
The activity aims to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award by increasing awareness and appreciation of its significance among learners, teaching and nonteaching personnel, and other education stakeholders.