CALAMBA CITY (PIA) – The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) has emphasized the importance of integrating the country’s maritime heritage into the education curriculum.
Speaking at the West Philippine Sea symposium in this city last March 19, Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) underscored the role of education in addressing the country’s ownership over the West Philippine Sea.
Located on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon sea, Kalayaan Island Group, and Bajo de Masinloc, the West Philippine Sea has been a traditional fishing ground among Filipino fisherfolk due to its abundant marine life, including fish and other aquatic products.
“The national government recognizes that education, together with information, are the only ways that we can unite this country in our fight towards the West Philippine Sea.”
Tarriela highlighted their ongoing efforts to collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd) for potential curriculum adjustments aimed at addressing the gaps in the country’s historical stance in the West Philippine Sea.
“National Security Council [Adviser Eduardo] Año and [National Security Council Assistant Director General] Jonathan Malaya have reached out to [Education] Secretary [Sonny] Angara to come up with necessary curriculum adjustments in elementary education,”
Addressing students from various colleges and universities, Tarriela highlighted the crucial role of a well-informed public in the government’s national security strategy for the West Philippine Sea.
“The most important impact of the transparency initiative is that it allowed the Filipino people to understand why we need to be firm in our fight for the West Philippine Sea.”
Recognizing the need to educate the public on the importance and history of the Philippines’ rich maritime heritage, the NTF-WPS launched ‘Ang mga Kwento ni Teacher Jun’, an initiative to combat disinformation on the West Philippine Sea.
The West Philippine Sea symposium drew over 500 students and youth leaders from Laguna Province, attesting to their importance in fighting disinformation and reinforcing the government’s efforts in addressing the territorial dispute. (PB/PIA4A)
