Senator Erwin Tulfo is calling on Congress to expedite the passage of Senate Bill No. 1625, or the “West Philippine Sea Education Act,” to fortify the country’s defense against foreign territorial assertions through the national school curriculum.
Tulfo’s call to action comes after Chinese academics suggested during a June 30 symposium that Batanes is a “natural geographical extension” of Taiwan. Expressing deep concern over the expanding nature of these foreign claims, the lawmaker questioned where such rhetoric might lead next.
“Before, they claim that the West Philippine Sea is theirs, now Batanes is also their territory? What’s next? Palawan? Zambales Cagayan?” Tulfo asked.
The senator pointed out that these provocative statements emerged during the exact week the country observed the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which invalidated Beijing’s sweeping historical claims over the disputed waters.
“It is ironic that we encounter this claim, in time when we just celebrated a decade of the Philippines’ victory at the 2016 Arbitral Ruling declaring that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is ours,” he noted.
Under the proposed law, the Department of Education (DepEd) would be required to weave factual, law-based maritime education into the basic education curriculum. Tulfo emphasized that anchoring lessons on international facts, local legislation, and landmark legal victories will shield the youth from foreign disinformation campaigns.
“We have to act fast in ensuring that Filipinos are not easily swayed by these kinds of claims. As early as Basic Education, Filipinos must be equipped with knowledge about the Philippine sovereignty,” the senator said. “If this bill becomes a law, there will be age-appropriate instructions, anchored on internationally recognized facts, Supreme Court decisions, and Philippine laws integrated on learning materials.”
Viewing the legislative measure as a vital shield for national sovereignty, Tulfo asserted that the country must actively counter any attempt to undermine its territorial integrity.
“Baseless claims that certain parts of the Philippines belong to other countries should not be given credence and must be repelled on all fronts. We will continue to stand firm, defend our territory, and protect what rightfully belongs to the Filipino people,” he concluded.