Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has signed the “I Love WPS” ordinance, formally called the Iloilo Legislative Ordinance for Values Formation through Education on the West Philippine Sea.
The measure, authored by Fourth District Board Member Rolando Distura, seeks to ensure a structured discussion of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue in schools across the province.
Distura said the ordinance seeks to strengthen patriotism, civic responsibility, and awareness of Philippine sovereignty by requiring discussions on the history of WPS, its legal significance, and the international ruling on the Philippines’ sovereign rights.
The ordinance calls on public and private elementary and secondary schools in the province to include WPS-related topics in Araling Panlipunan, Social Studies, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (ESP), Sibika at Kultura, Philippine History, Contemporary Issues, and other relevant subjects.
Schools are also encouraged to hold activities such as poster-making contests, essay writing, quiz bees, debates, and similar programs to help students understand the WPS issue.
Distura noted the positive response from the Department of Education (DepEd) and said he hopes the agency will formally include the enhanced WPS lessons in the school curriculum in Iloilo.
The ordinance creates a Technical Working Group (TWG) to oversee implementation. Governor Defensor will serve as chair, with the chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education and the Iloilo Schools Division Superintendent as vice chairpersons.
The TWG will help develop learning modules, including materials in Hiligaynon for students.
The ordinance recognizes the WPS issue as a national concern and highlights the role of education in shaping student awareness, especially in the K to 12 system, to promote identity, territorial integrity, and nationalism.
It has also declared the Wednesday of the second week of September as West Philippine Sea Day, to be observed each year with educational and civic activities. This is in line with the country’s observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) every September.
Distura said the ordinance demonstrates the province’s commitment to addressing national issues at the local level and to providing students with historical and civic lessons that strengthen patriotism.IMT
