Second PN Convos hits on the assertion of WPS ownership
By Rhey Nathaniel Flores, Vic Albert Bagaan, Cyril Abon | posted 07/07/24
Multiple organizations from different private and public sectors throng the Palawan SU Amphitheater on Friday, June 5 for another episode of PN Conversations — but this time, on the controversy of the contested West Philippine Sea.
The half-day symposium, titled “Navigating the West Philippine Sea Dispute,” discussed the relevant issues affecting communities especially those living in the territorial waters.
The event was spearheaded by the Municipality of Kalayaan Sangguniang Bayan Member Maurice Albayda, Dr. Roger Dolorosa of Western Philippines University (WPU), and Rafael Ortega Jr, a Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, talking to respective topics such as the impact of the dispute to the local communities in the West Philippine Sea, the essence of the territory to the ordinary Filipinos, and the civilians’ engagement contributing to the discourse.
In their opening remarks, Palawan SU President Ramon Docto emphasizes diversity in perspectives, patriotism, readiness, and verity in discussing the issue. He also says that the event creates a vessel for insights for a “nurtured and informed community.” Meanwhile, the publisher and the editor-in-chief of Palawan News Redempto Anda stressed the need for informed discussions, leading to the creation of PN Conversations.
WPS issue should be instilled in the current generation and the next: Albayda
Mr. Albayda, the first one who tackled the impact of the dispute on the local communities in the West Philippine Sea, told the audience about the lives of those living on Pag-asa Island in the Municipality of Kalayaan, 270 nautical miles far from mainland Palawan.
He also expressed his desire to instill in the younger generations the importance of the West Philippine Sea. “[K]ung isusuko natin ang WPS (West Philippine Sea), generations of our Filipinos will be lost,” he added.
He also highlighted the measures done by the municipal government, such as multi-sectoral studies and contingency plans in case of a foreign invasion.
Studies needed in the assertion of WPS ownership: Dolorosa
Furthermore, Dr. Roger Dolorosa of Western Philippines University showed infographics of the biodiversity thriving in the said territory.
He also stressed the need for academic studies related to the said territory. “Atin po ang West Philippine Sea at walang question doon. Bilang isang scientist, tulungan niyo kaming magproduce pa ng mga scientific papers at evidences na atin iyon, para mas maimanage natin kung ano ang atin.”
Youths must participate in the assertion of WPS ownership: Ortega
The Hon. Rafael Ortega of Aborlan, Palawan pointed out in his talk of youth and community involvement in the assertion of the ownership of the said territory. He also thanked the audience, composed mostly of students who attended the said event.
He also announced that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will come up with a resolution creating July 12 as the West Philippine Sea Victory Day celebration, aiming to commemorate the win of the Philippines on its case on the territory which is aggressively claimed by China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2016.
He also emphasized the point that the issue in the West Philippine Sea is the Filipinos’ problem, not just merely Palaweños.’
He also called for setting up forums on the issue which must be included as well in the learning curriculum for the youths to better understand the situation on the West Philippine Sea.
PN Conversations is an event produced by Palawan News, in cooperation with the Palawan State University, the College of Arts and Humanities, and the Communication Society, among other organizations.
