CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, La Union — Hundreds of youths have come together to take a stand on the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the WPS Summit conducted by the City Government of San Fernando, La Union in partnership with the Northern Luzon Command, (NOLCOM) Armed Forces of the Philippines under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca PAF, through the 1st Civil Relations Group, CRSAFP and in collaboration with Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), 4th Marine Brigade, Philippine Air Force 585th Air Base Group (PAF ABG) and The Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon (CGDNWLZN) on Friday (Feb. 28) at Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar Gymnasium here.
The advocacy dubbed as “Making Waves: Youth Leaders Unite at the West Philippine Sea Summit” featured keynote speakers and panel discussions aims to engage and empower the youth on critical issues surrounding the WPS, encompassing its geopolitical and environmental significance, the implication of the 2016 arbitral ruling and the urgent need for sustainable advocacy.
The activity formally started with welcome remarks of the Commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon Commo Edward Ike M. De Sagon PN through his representative Captain Dominic Benauro PN.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated partners who made this event possible. As we kick-off today’s event we are excited to witness the passion and enthusiasm of the entire participant here today. As we depend on each other to actively propagate awareness in securing and protecting our maritime interest, let us work together with a renewed dedication to make this event a stepping stone towards a secure, prosperous and united future.”
City Mayor of San Fernando, La Union Hon. Hermenegildo A. Gualberto also delivered his message in taking rightful place in shaping our nation’s future.
“The Philippines is the nation that seeks peace, a friend to all and an enemy to none. But we will never yield our rightful claims because our claim is not merely a matter of national pride; it is grounded in international law. The West Philippine Sea is ours. No Foreign power can erase this truth. No force can silence our claim. Tayo ang may karapatan sa ating likas na yaman. We will never surrender what is rightfully ours. Our fight for the WPS must be a unified movement. We cannot afford to be divided, to be passive, and to wait for others to take actions. Our fight for the WPS is not just the duty of our soldiers or our diplomats; it is the duty of each and every Filipino. Let this activity not just a gathering of ideas, let this be a gathering of commitment, unity and resolve. The waves may be strong but we are stronger. The WPS is our home, our history and our future.”
Retired Justice Antonio C. Carpio articulated the WPS journey through history, the arbitral awards ruling and the road ahead for the WPS.
“We challenge China, Vietnam and Malaysia to submit the territorial dispute to voluntary arbitration because that is the command of the UN charter. All disputes must be settling by peaceful means. If they do not agree, and I suspect they will not agree because deep in their hearts they know we have the strongest title. They will not agree because if this is submitted to arbitration we will surely win. There is no way we can lose.”
The role of the youth in the fight for WPS and fact checking in the WPS context were also emphasized during the summit.
“Lead your own initiative, build trust, and engage stakeholders. The young people can bridge the lock of understanding about the West Philippine Sea. Kailangan nating gawan ng paraan na magkaroon tayo ng mas malalim na trust between and among stakeholders kasama ang mga kapwa ninyo kabataan kasi hindi natin ito kakayanin na mag-isa because this is a whole of society initiative. Always bear in mind that we need to advocate for better education as a whole and better awareness regarding our maritime nation.” Said Ms. Janina Gillian O. Santos, the key speaker on the topic role of the youth in the fight for WPS and fact checking in the WPS context.
Further, Atty. Maria Isabel R Cañaveral of the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea discussed the Environmental Concerns in the WPS. While, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent T Trinidad PN, Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS gave an overview on the current situation in the WPS dispute.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jayanil Charis Enriquez, President of the Youth Empowerment Society for WPS said that the members of the youth organizations present in the said activity should collaborate, lead and inspire other youths to make significant actions for the WPS.
“Youth should always go beyond discussions and make actions towards making real and lasting change. The future of West Philippine Sea is in our hands and as young Filipinos, we have a special role in raising awareness and advocating for peaceful resolution. We can do more as youth of the nations for the WPS and be an advocate for our maritime security. We can build a youth that collaborates, lead and inspire other youths on what is happening in the West Philippine Sea because together we can make a real difference. Hindi lang ang mga kasundaluhan at gobyerno ang may trabaho pati tayo ay mayroong pwedeng gawin in our own simple ways because our actions will always make a difference for the next generations.”
The summit concluded by the awarding ceremony for the winners of tri-fold brochure making contest focusing on WPS wherein out of 316 participants who registered, the La Union National High School won the 1st place, Pagudpud Integrated School got the 2nd Place and Dalumpinas Oeste Eco Rangers won the 3rd Place and subsequently followed by the Signing of pledge of commitment of support for WPS. (UnliNews Online)
