TUGUEGARAO CITY (PIA) — Commodore Jay T. Tarriela, spokesperson for the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, emphasized the importance of raising public awareness and encouraging Filipinos, especially students, to recognize the country’s sovereign claims over the territory, parts of which are illegally occupied by China.
In a recent symposium at Cagayan State University, more than 600 students from various schools in the region, along with representatives from different government agencies in Cagayan Valley, attended.
Tarriela said there has been a significant shift in public perception, particularly among the youth, regarding the country’s territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.
“Before we started, many young Filipinos were uncertain about our position on the West Philippine Sea, thinking it was a disputed territory. But now, thanks to the combined efforts of the Philippine government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, with the support of the Philippine Information Agency, it is encouraging to see that Filipino youth are now aware of the truth. From our standpoint, the West Philippine Sea is not a contested area because, as Filipinos, it is ours,” Tarriela said.
Amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China, Tarriela reiterated that the Philippine government, under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., continues to prioritize a democratic and diplomatic approach to handling issues with China.
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is balancing his approach while we firmly assert our position on the West Philippine Sea. At the same time, he ensures that it remains non-escalatory or provocative,” Tarriela said, assuring Filipinos that despite the firm assertion of the Philippines’ territorial rights, the government maintains peace and diplomacy.
With the 2025 midterm elections approaching, Tarriela also noted that Filipino voters have shown increased awareness regarding the West Philippine Sea issue, largely due to the transparency initiative led by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea.
“According to a recent survey, 83% of Filipinos now support the Philippine government’s efforts in protecting the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela added. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)
