The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has lauded the province of Iloilo for passing the Iloilo Legislative Ordinance for Values Formation through Education on the West Philippine Sea (I-LOVE WPS) ordinance.
PCG spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela, in an interview over K5 News FM Iloilo, expressed gratitude to the provincial government for adopting education and information initiatives on the West Philippine Sea, stressing that the country’s fight for its maritime rights is intergenerational and must be understood by Filipinos, especially the youth.
“Isa ito sa pinakakailangan natin ngayon for us to include sa curriculum ng kabataan ang West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said, noting that the issue will not be resolved overnight and will likely be carried on by the next generations of Filipinos.
The “I-LOVE WPS” ordinance, authored by fourth district Provincial Board Member Rolando “Rolly” Distura and sponsored by third district Provincial Board Member Jason Gonzales, seeks to institutionalize public education and community awareness efforts on the West Philippine Sea.
The initiative encourages the inclusion of WPS discussions in youth-oriented programs, civic activities, and information campaigns in the academe, highlighting the country’s legal basis and position in defending its sovereign rights.
Tarriela said such efforts are timely as the government continues its transparency initiative and information drive to ensure Filipinos remain aware of developments in the West Philippine Sea and the importance of protecting national sovereignty.
“We wanted to institutionalize this transparency initiative so our future generation of Filipinos should be aware of what we are fighting for in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
Tarriela also called on Ilonggos to remain supportive of the WPS advocacy even if Western Visayas is geographically far from the contested waters, emphasizing that the West Philippine Sea remains part of the Philippines and is a shared responsibility of every Filipino.AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo
