Manila, July 8 -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla has vowed to mobilize the agency to strengthen the country's defense of its maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) through credible science and grassroots action.

In a news release on Tuesday, the DENR said that Lotilla, in an exclusive symposium for DENR officials, underscored the agency's crucial role in producing scientific data, environmental reports, and legal strategies that would help uphold the country's 2016 arbitral victory.

"These are essential to informing both Filipinos and the international community, protecting our marine environment from destruction, and showing that we are actively defending what is rightfully ou...