SENATOR Jinggoy Estrada has proposed the inclusion of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in the basic education curriculum to help young Filipinos understand the country’s territorial rights and maritime domain.
Through Senate Bill No. 1424, or the proposed West Philippine Sea Mandatory Education Act, Estrada aims to integrate the study of the WPS into the curricula of all public and private elementary schools nationwide.
“It is imperative that we inculcate in our youth patriotism and pride, nurture a full understanding of our legitimate sovereign rights and entitlements under international law,” Estrada said.
He emphasized that educating young Filipinos about the issue would “empower citizens with knowledge and appreciation beneficial in defending and protecting what is rightfully ours.”
Estrada cited an earlier report from the Philippine Information Agency stating that the Department of Education (DepEd) plans to include WPS lessons in the elementary curriculum.
According to Estrada, the proposed measure seeks to inform students about “the continuing illegal acts, aggressive encroachment, and bullying tactics of our neighboring country,” referring to China’s activities in the disputed waters.
He said DepEd’s initiative is especially crucial “at a time when disinformation is prevalent and false narratives are widely propagated to distort the truth enshrined in the historic 2016 Arbitral Award.”
The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea, affirming that the area encroached on the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Estrada said his bill seeks to institutionalize WPS education through legislation, expanding DepEd’s initiative to include all educational institutions, both public and private.
He added that the measure aims to “counter truth-twisting, black propaganda, and disinformation spread through elaborate networks that sow confusion and disunity among Filipinos, ultimately weakening our national resolve.”