CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) has intensified its transparency efforts under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aiming to unite Filipinos and gain international support against China’s assertive actions in the region.
At the “Takbo Para sa West Philippine Sea” press conference, NTF-WPS Spokesperson Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela explained that the administration’s transparency campaign has two main goals. First, it seeks to fully inform Filipinos about the ongoing territorial dispute and China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea. It counters previous misinformation and fosters public unity—an approach distinct from the division experienced under the former administration.
Second, the campaign aims to build international backing for the Philippines’ stance. The administration has faced challenges in this area because the previous administration took little action after the 2016 Arbitral Ruling favored the Philippines. By openly highlighting China’s aggressive actions, the Marcos administration seeks support from traditional allies like the United States and the European Union.
“In his first State of the Nation Address in 2022, President Marcos made it clear he would not surrender a square inch of our territory. To gain the support of the Filipino people, we need to provide them with accurate information about the situation in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.
He added that since the transparency efforts began over a year ago, public support for the government’s stance has reportedly increased.
“This shift is evident not only in public opinion but also in the legislative arena, where there is growing support for raising the budget of the Armed Forces, the Coast Guard, and other agencies involved in defending the country’s maritime interests. President Marcos remains committed to diplomatic solutions and adhering to international law to avoid escalating tensions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NTF-WPS has intensified efforts to counter misinformation from China. These initiatives include public awareness campaigns like “Takbo Para sa West Philippine Sea,” held in various cities, including Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. The government believes these efforts are crucial in fostering patriotism among Filipinos and ensuring public unity in defending the country’s sovereignty.
Strategic approach using the DIME framework
NTF-WPS spokesperson Tarriela also discussed the administration’s strategic approach to the dispute, focusing on the four key instruments of national power: diplomacy, information, military, and economy, commonly known as D.I.M.E.
Despite the dispute, President Marcos prioritizes diplomacy and maintains active diplomatic relations with China, underscored by the presence of both nations’ embassies in Manila and Beijing. This diplomatic channel is crucial for peaceful negotiations and underscores the administration’s commitment to resolving issues without conflict.
The administration’s information and transparency efforts aim to ensure that accurate information about the WPS reaches the public, preventing the spread of false narratives that could escalate tensions.
This approach is vital in fostering a well-informed public that supports the government’s efforts to protect national interests.
President Marcos has also focused on strengthening trade and investment relations with other countries to protect the country’s economy. During his international visits, he consistently raises the issue of the WPS while seeking to enhance economic ties.
This strategy aims to reduce the country’s vulnerability to economic coercion, particularly from China, and to strengthen its overall economic resilience.
As the WPS issues become increasingly complex, the Marcos administration assures Filipinos of its commitment to the principles enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which explicitly renounces war as a means of asserting national power. This commitment reflects the administration’s balanced use of national power to protect the country’s interests while avoiding unnecessary conflict.
By leveraging diplomacy, information, military strength, and economic resilience, the administration seeks to navigate the region’s complex dynamics while upholding the nation’s commitment to peace and protecting its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard, alongside the NTF-WPS, urges all Filipinos to join the effort to protect the West Philippine Sea and participate in events supporting the administration’s initiatives. (JAKA/PIA-10)
