LOS BAÑOS, Laguna (PIA) – All Filipinos must be aware and show concern about the issues, particularly the conflict in the West Philippine Sea, an official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.
BFAR Region IV-A director Sammy Malvas, who was interviewed on the online program Sulong Calabarzon, said beyond the natural abundance of the WPS, which help Filipino fishermen meet their needs, it is crucial for Filipinos to show concern about the state of the Philippine waters.
“The West Philippine Sea is not solely an issue for those regions adjacent to these areas, it is an issue of the entire Philippines. Therefore, whenever we are in this country, we should be familiar with or at least be aware of the WPS issue,” Malvas emphasized.
The bureau informs the public and raises awareness about the country’s territorial waters by discussing the root cause and the country’s rights over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Malvas is confident that this will eventually lead to a bigger result for the country.
He explained: “We also deploy our BFAR vessels (for patrol) in the West Philippine Sea. We hope these small actions … show that the West Philippine Sea is ours.”
The BFAR previously said that they will not be deterred from patrolling all Philippine maritime zones despite the water cannon incident at Bajo de Masinloc in October 2024 involving their law enforcement personnel.
The bureau also vowed its support and assistance to Filipino fisherfolk who continue to exercise their right to livelihood in the WPS despite facing harassment from Chinese vessels.
The WPS National Task Force also continues to urge Filipinos anywhere in the world, to stand together and join the cause of advancing the country’s rights over its EEZ. (CO, CH/PIA-4A)
Sulong Calabarzon is a weekly public affairs program hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Calabarzon, streaming live every Thursday, 2:00 PM via the Philippine Information Agency Calabarzon Facebook page.
