Students from the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University joined national leaders and officials in a symposium on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) held in Iloilo City on April 4, 2025, underscoring the importance of preparing the next generation to defend the country’s sovereign rights.
The symposium, organized by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), aimed to educate young Filipinos on the complexities of maritime security and the Philippines’ position in the WPS.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesperson for WPS concerns, emphasized that the country’s sovereign rights are under increasing pressure. He described the issue as “intergenerational,” urging youngsters to understand and embrace their role in the continuing struggle for national sovereignty.
“Our youth are the future leaders and defenders of the nation. It is essential that they are informed now,” Tarriela said.
Meanwhile, NYC Commissioner-at-Large Assistant Secretary Karl Legazpi encouraged participants to take an active role in initiatives safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity. “This is not just the concern of our present leaders. Every Filipino, especially the youth, must take part,” he said.
The event also became a platform to renew calls for the integration of the WPS issue into the country’s school curriculum.
According to Tarriela, the Department of Education is already considering significant changes in the coming months that would institutionalize discussions about maritime sovereignty in classrooms nationwide.
This push gained momentum following the February 2025 comic book launch of the PCG, which was attended by Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año. The event highlighted the importance of educating the youth about the country’s maritime rights and challenges through age-appropriate and engaging materials.
The National Security Council (NSC) has since expressed strong support for integrating WPS-related topics into the basic education curriculum.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. backed the proposal as part of the government’s broader strategy to cultivate national consciousness and strengthen defense of Philippine sovereignty among Filipinos, especially the younger generation.