BAGUIO CITY ? The Philippine flag is flew over the Philippine Rise (Talampas ng Pilipinas) as the country asserts its sovereignty during Friday's eighth anniversary of the renaming of the area from Benham rise.

A series of activities, the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) said, ended the anniversary rites Friday with a send-off ceremony of BRP Emilio Jacinto at Soiltech Pier, San Fernando City in La Union where the vessel and its crew received a formal inspection and blessing before sailing to the Philippine Rise.

The Philippine Rise, officially renamed from Benham Rise through Executive Order No. 25 is a 13-million-hectare undersea plateau east of Luzon. It is rich in marine biodiversity and natural resources.

NOLCOM chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca said the Philippine flag is hoisted over Philippine Rise as “a clear and powerful statement of the country’s unyielding commitment to assert and uphold its maritime entitlements.”

Buca said “the Philippine Rise is not just part of our territory ? it is part of our identity.” Friday’s ceremony “is not merely a ceremonial departure, but a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to protect what is ours, '' he added. DMS