The Philippine flag was raised at Talamapas ng Pilipinas by BRP Emilio Jacinto

The Philippine flag was raised at Talamapas ng Pilipinas by BRP Emilio Jacinto, accompanied by the PAF during a flyby.

The event on May 18, 2025, marked the 8th anniversary of the official renaming of Benham Rise to Talampas ng Pilipinas through Executive Order No. 25, which was signed in 2017. This move underscored the Philippines' sovereignty and rights over the undersea plateau, located in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine government, through its military forces and relevant agencies, has been actively asserting its rights and conducting activities to protect and manage the area's resources. The fly-by of the Philippine Air Force aircraft demonstrated the nation's commitment to its territorial defense.

Talampas ng Pilipinas is significant for its rich biodiversity and potential mineral resources, making it an essential asset for the country's economic growth and environmental sustainability. The Philippines' sovereign rights over the area allow for exclusive exploration and utilization of these resources, in adherence to national laws and international agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The theme of the ceremony, "Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future," emphasized the importance of safeguarding the country's maritime domain and ensuring that its resources are managed wisely for the benefit of the nation's people and future generations. The presence of the Armed Forces and the Northern Luzon Naval Command aboard the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) signaled the Philippines' readiness to protect its interests in the face of any challenges that may arise.

This annual event not only celebrates the renaming but also serves as a reminder of the country's maritime heritage and its responsibility to be a steward of the oceans. It is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in securing and developing the area and to reaffirm the nation's dedication to upholding its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.