CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Government agencies and local partners harnessed the power of music to promote patriotism and raise awareness of the country’s sovereign rights through the “Waves of Rock: Battle of the Bands” held on Saturday (July 11) at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in observance of the 10th West Philippine Sea (WPS) Victory Day.
The activity was organized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines 1st Civil Relations Group (1CRG) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and other stakeholders to commemorate the Philippines’ 2016 Arbitral Award victory and encourage greater public appreciation of the country’s sovereign rights.
Participating bands showcased their musical talent by performing one selected song and one original composition centered on the theme, ‘Ang tagumpay sa WPS ay tagumpay ng bawat Pilipino, isang paalala na sa pagkakaisa, napagtitibay ang ating bayan.’
The competition served as a creative platform to engage young Filipinos in nation-building while advancing the government’s continuing information and education campaign on the West Philippine Sea, consistent with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of an informed, participative, and united citizenry.
703rd Brigade Commander Brigadier General Eugenio Julio Osias said the initiative was designed to make the issue more relatable, particularly among the youth.
“The main purpose of everything that is happening right now is para ma-educate at mabigyan ng awareness ang ating mga kababayan through this music,” Osias explained.
He added that music complements other information efforts by making messages easier to understand and remember.
“Maraming pamamaraan to inform the public especially the youth, but this one we thought would better encourage awareness about our ownership of the West Philippine Sea and strengthening our sovereignty,” he said.
Meanwhile, NICA Regional Director Ulysses Untalan said music has long been an effective tool in bringing Filipinos together while conveying messages that matter.
“Sa musika, naidadaan natin ang pagkakaisa. Isa rin ito sa paraan para hikayatin ang mga kabataan upang maging mulat sa katotohanan kung ano ang nangyayari sa West Philippine Sea,” Untalan pressed.
For Provincial Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President John Carlo Cruz, the event also underscored the important role of the youth in shaping the country’s future.
“We are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; we are active stakeholders of our nation today,” Cruz emphasized.
He encouraged young Filipinos to use their talents and voices to promote patriotism and contribute to nation-building, noting that music can inspire greater national consciousness and unity.
The “Waves of Rock: Battle of the Bands” forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen public awareness of the West Philippine Sea, foster patriotism among the youth, and encourage citizen participation in upholding the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights. (Marie Joy S. Carbungco )
