Tulfo wants schools to include facts-based lessons on West Philippine Sea

Senator Erwin Tulfo has filed a bill seeking to mandate basic and higher education institutions to educate students about the contested West Philippine Sea amid the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China. 

In filling Senate Bill No. 1625 or the “West Philippine Sea Education Act”, Tulfo wants students to learn about the West Philippine Sea “in a systematic and age-appropriate manner.” 

“By ensuring accurate, and evidence-based information about the WPS, this Act empowers Filipino citizens to actively participate in the protection of our maritime rights and contributes to national unity, informed policymaking, and responsible public discourse,” the bill’s explanatory note read. 

The bill provides that the instruction shall be “anchored on internationally recognized facts, Supreme Court decisions, Philippine laws, and other relevant learning materials.” 

Further, the development of teaching and learning materials shall be done in coordination with the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, National Security Council, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and other relevant government agencies. 

The bill also states that state universities and colleges, and research institutions are encouraged to undertake studies on maritime security and governance; marine biodiversity and conservation; Philippine maritime claims; and socioeconomic impacts on coastal communities. 

“Research outputs shall be made accessible to policymakers and the public, subject to existing laws on security and information disclosure,” the proposed law read. 

The bill was filed amid the recent aggression of Chinese vessels at Sabina Shoal (Escoda Shoal) which hurt three Filipino fishermen. 

Located 75 nautical miles or about 140 kilometers off Palawan, Escoda Shoal is a coral reef formation with a central lagoon surrounded by discontinuous shallow sections. It is also called Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Reef. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News