Iloilo to integrate 'I Love West Philippine Sea' in basic education
By Tara Yap
ILOILO Provincial Board Members Rolly Distura (left) and Jason Gonzales. (Iloilo SP)
ILOILO CITY—Schools in Iloilo province will soon integrate “I Love West Philippine Sea” in basic education, following the recent passage of the Iloilo Legislative Ordinance for Values Formation Through Education on the West Philippine Sea (I-LOVE WPS).
Authored by fourth district Provincial Board Member Rolando “Rolly” Distura and sponsored by third district Provincial Board Member Jason Gonzales, the I-LOVE WPS ordinance will be part of the basic education subjects of public and private schools in the 42 towns and component city of Passi.
“This underscores the province of Iloilo’s commitment to fostering values formation, patriotism, and national consciousness among the students and the youth, ensuring that future generations are well-informed of the Philippines’ sovereign rights and the significance of the West Philippine Sea to the nation’s identity and security,” said Distura in a statement.
Aligning with the program of the Department of Education (DepEd), the I-LOVE WPS ordinance covers the historical background, legal foundations, and the 2016 arbitral ruling that can be taught to elementary and high school students in public and private schools.
The I-LOVE WPS ordinance also has a provision making Wednesday of the second week of September as West Philippine Sea Day in Iloilo province.
A P1-million fund is allocated for the annual implementation of the I-LOVE WPS ordinance.