Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday vowed that the country remains committed to protecting its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
He made this commitment during his remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit “War of Our Fathers-A Brotherhood of Heroes,” organized by the Philippine Veterans Bank to honor World War II veterans.
“Today, we face a new battlefield. Our enemy is no longer a foreign invader but the threats to our territorial integrity, the undermining of international laws, and the growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea,” Romualdez told the audience at the exhibit.
“This is a new war—a war for peace, stability, and the preservation of our way of life. We are committed to protecting our sovereign rights, ensuring that future generations will live in a free and secure Philippines,” he added.
The event took place on Sunday morning for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Leyte Landings at the Leyte Convention Complex in Palo, Leyte.
The leader of the 307-member House of Representatives stated that the war fought by Filipinos 80 years ago differs from the current conflicts facing the nation. Romualdez emphasized that defending the country’s sovereign rights and territorial integrity is a fight for every Filipino’s future.
He called on citizens to “draw strength from the courage of those who came before us.”
“The legacy they left behind is not one of violence but of enduring peace through unity and determination. Just as they were victorious in the face of adversity, we too can overcome the challenges we face today—whether they are threats to our sovereignty or persistent issues of poverty and inequality,” he stated.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara meanwhile visited the Municipality of Kalayaan in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday to personally deliver 15 laptops to the teachers of Pag-asa Integrated School.
Angara was the first DepEd secretary to take a trip to Pag-asa Island in recent times. He also distributed 43 footballs and 109 school bags filled with essential supplies for the students.
Angara and other key DepEd officials also held consultations with teachers, parents, and local leaders to address challenges in delivering education in the area. Discussions also covered potential solutions to improve the island’s living conditions, including housing initiatives and transportation services for residents.
The visit was made possible by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), whose assistance enabled DepEd’s outreach to the remote community.
DepEd noted that the visit reflects the national government’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive development, the department’s goal to reach learners even in remote areas and ensure that they have access to quality education.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Romualdez reassures protection of sovereign rights in WPS.”
