Photo credit: NAMRIA

MANILA, Philippines — The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) is clarifying how the Philippines represents its territory and maritime zones, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Official maps and nautical charts released by NAMRIA are not just pictures — they are technical tools used by mariners, planners, researchers, and international partners to navigate waters safely and understand where Philippine jurisdiction begins and ends.

Why It’s Called the West Philippine Sea

The Philippine government has used the name West Philippine Sea in official publications since 2012, and it appears on NAMRIA’s maps and charts, including administrative, topographic, thematic, and nautical charts.

These charts are practical reference documents for navigation, maritime planning, geographic data collection, and safety at sea.

How Maritime Boundaries Are Shown

The Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles from the country’s archipelagic baselines, under international law.

NAMRIA notes that this creates a continuous curved boundary, rather than a polygon of straight lines. Accurate representation requires precise geospatial data based on baseline coordinates defined in Republic Act 9522, enabling mapping software and navigation systems to display maritime limits correctly.

International Standards and Usage

NAMRIA’s nautical charts follow international hydrographic standards. They are used by both Philippine and foreign vessels and are submitted to international technical bodies, such as the International Hydrographic Organization, to ensure Philippine geographic information is part of the global maritime record.

This guarantees that maps used for navigation and maritime planning are accurate and consistent with worldwide practices, supporting safety, cooperation, and responsible ocean use.

NAMRIA’s Role

NAMRIA emphasizes that its mission is to provide accurate and reliable geospatial information. Maintaining scientifically correct maps and internationally compliant nautical charts supports:

• Maritime safety
• Environmental management
• Disaster preparedness
• Proper documentation of national territory

The agency also underscores its role in upholding national sovereignty, maritime safety, disaster readiness, and resource management.

Key Takeaways

While Philippine maps label the West Philippine Sea and display maritime limits, the naming is a Philippine government practice. International recognition of the label is not universal, and maritime boundaries remain subject to international law and multilateral agreements.

In a region where territorial waters frequently make headlines, NAMRIA’s message is clear: official maps are technical, law‑based tools that play a crucial role in understanding and protecting Philippine waters.