MANILA – More than 400 public school teachers from Central Luzon participated in a Philippine Coast Guard-led symposium aimed at strengthening educators’ understanding of the West Philippine Sea, maritime law and the Philippines’ maritime rights and interests.
The West Philippine Sea Symposium for Social Studies Teachers, organized by the PCG-West Philippine Sea Transparency Group (WPSTG), was held in San Fernando City, Pampanga on Oct. 3.
Teachers representing 21 Department of Education divisions across Region III attended the event, which covered maritime transparency, international maritime law and issues affecting Filipino fisherfolk.
The symposium opened with a screening of Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea, which highlighted the experiences of Filipino fisherfolk and the connection of the West Philippine Sea to livelihoods and food security.
An interactive workshop followed, allowing teachers to discuss maritime issues and explore ways of presenting complex West Philippine Sea topics to students.
Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, commander of the PCG-WPSTG and PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, discussed the Coast Guard’s transparency initiatives and emphasized the role of accurate information, responsible communication and public awareness in understanding developments in Philippine waters.
Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also discussed the Philippines’ territorial and maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Atty. Niel Simon Silva, meanwhile, provided an overview of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and its relevance to the country’s maritime rights, responsibilities and interests.
The PCG said the initiative seeks to equip teachers with factual and legal context that they can bring into their classrooms, helping students better understand maritime issues affecting the Philippines.
