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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Estrada seeks institutionalization of West PH Sea education in schools

Estrada seeks institutionalization of West PH Sea education in schools

Published Dec 17, 2025 02:11 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a bill seeking to institutionalize West Philippine Sea education in the basic education curriculum to counter the spread of disinformation regarding the country's territorial rights and maritime domain.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada (Facebook)
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada (Facebook)

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a bill seeking to institutionalize West Philippine Sea education in the basic education curriculum to counter the spread of disinformation regarding the country’s territorial rights and maritime domain.

In filing Senate Bill No. 1424, or the proposed “West Philippine Sea Mandatory Education Act,” Estrada said teaching West Philippine Sea information to students would not only help strengthen patriotism among the youth but also equip them with a clear and factual understanding of the Philippines’ sovereign rights under international laws.

It would also counter the spread of fake news, disinformation fueled by elaborate networks and enlighten the younger generation on the importance of Philippine sovereignty.

Once passed into law, SB 1424 will also institutionalize WPS education, ensuring that future generations grow up with a clear understanding of the country’s maritime rights and responsibilities, while strengthening national identity and resolve.

“It is imperative that we not only instill patriotism and pride in our youth, but also nurture a full understanding of our legitimate sovereign rights and entitlements under international laws, and empower our citizens with knowledge to defend and protect what is rightfully ours,” Estrada said.

“Our children deserve to know the truth about the West Philippine Sea - its history, its importance, and our rights over it. Education is our strongest defense against lies, distortion, and historical revisionism,” he stressed. 

Estrada said the bill is in response to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) announcement on the planned inclusion of WPS topics in selected grade levels. 

The measure primarily seeks to make the study of the WPS permanent and mandatory in the curriculum of all public and private basic educational institutions nationwide.

He also said the measure highlights the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award which invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim and affirmed China’s violation of Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Under the bill, schools are mandated to teach students about the country’s EEZ, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), relevant maritime laws, the environmental and economic value of the West Philippine Sea, and the experiences of Filipinos who have been fishing in the area.

Among the issues to be discussed under the curriculum are the illegal incursions and encroachments, and their impact on food security and marine resources.

Likewise, schools will be required to maintain updated Philippine maps and reference materials in their libraries.

DepEd will be the lead agency to develop the curriculum in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and other relevant agencies and academic institutions to ensure the crafting of factual, balanced and age-appropriate lessons.

Related Tags

Jinggoy Estrada West Philippine Sea DepEd curriculum alignment Philippines
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