BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) spearheaded an online orientation on the West Philippine Sea on July 26, 2024, with Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, as the speaker.
Department of the Interior and Local Government-CAR Director and Cordillera RPOC Head Secretariat Araceli San Jose, in her message, said the orientation serves as a learning session and a platform for the Council members to learn how they can support the national government in the collective pursuit of upholding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
She also called on the council members to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in affirming the country’s stand on the West Philippine Sea.
“Sabi nga po ng ating mahal na Pangulo in his latest State of the Nation Address, we affirm the country’s stand on this matter by declaring that the West Philippine Sea is ours. ‘Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating minamahal na bansang Pilipinas.’ As such, we should stand behind this call from our President. It becomes our collective responsibility to advocate for this position, the same way it has been ruled according to international law and recognized by the global community,” San Jose said.
Tarriela called on the local government units and other stakeholders to help in advocating the right information about the West Philippine Sea. He underlined that the fight for WPS is not just a fight of the present administration but a fight of every Filipino.
“Kung ikaw ay Pilipino at kinikilala mo na ang Pilipinas pa rin ang bansa mo, at alam namin natin lahat, bilang Pilipino na ang West Philippine Sea ay parte ng Pilipinas, then you have all the responsibility and the reason to say na ang West Philippine Sea, regardless kung taga saan ka man, kung Pilipino ka, tutugunan mo ang panawagan ng ating pamahalaan na suportahan mo ang laban natin sa West Philippine Sea. Pilipino, Pilipinas, West Philippine Sea!”
Meanwhile, Baguio City Mayor and CRPO Chairperson Benjamin Magalong urged the Council members to intensify their advocacy campaign in support of the fight for the West Philippine Sea.
During the Council’s special online meeting on July 26, Magalong emphasized that upholding sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea is crucial to safeguarding the nation’s interests and securing the future for generations to come.
“Based on scientific study, talagang malaki ang deposit ng oil at natural gas sa lugar na ‘yan. So, ipinaglalaban natin ‘yung ating survival in terms of economic, at the same time, ‘yung ating power because power and energy are main components of our economy. Talagang kailangan nating ilaban ito at huwag ho tayong basta-basta na lang bibigay ho rito,” Magalong said.
He also encouraged the public to join the “Takbo para sa West Philippine Sea” scheduled in Baguio City on October 13, 2024.
Initiated by Runrio Inc., in collaboration with the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Information Agency, the campaign aims to promote not only physical fitness and camaraderie but also to increase public awareness about issues related to the West Philippine Sea and uphold maritime rights. (DEG-PIA CAR)
