CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Government agencies underscored the importance of a whole-of-nation approach in promoting public awareness and protecting the country’s sovereign rights during the observance of the 10th West Philippine Sea (WPS) Victory Day in Pampanga.
Officials said safeguarding the country’s maritime interests requires sustained public education, informed citizen participation, and collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and communities.
The call was highlighted during the “Waves of Rock: Battle of the Bands,” an initiative led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 1st Civil Relations Group (1CRG) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and other stakeholders.
NICA Regional Director Ulysses Untalan said the agency continues to conduct awareness campaigns, orientations, and dialogues to broaden public understanding of the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“Isang dekada na, pero sa pamamagitan ng awareness, orientation at dialogue sa iba’t ibang sektor, ginagawa po namin ito upang hikayatin ang lahat na suportahan ang ating laban sa ating karapatan sa West Philippine Sea,” Untalan added.
He emphasized that the issue concerns every Filipino and should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the country’s security sector.
“Hindi lamang po problema ng security sector ang isyu ng West Philippine Sea. Problema po ito nating lahat na mga Pilipino,” he said.
Meanwhile, 703rd Brigade Commander Brigadier General Eugenio Julio Osias stressed that the AFP relies on the support of the public in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.
“This fight is not only for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Atin po lahat ito. Iisa lang po ang bansa natin. We need you. We need your support,” he said.
For his part, AFP 1CRG Civic Military Operations Group Commander Colonel Enrique Rafael encouraged Filipinos to remain vigilant against misinformation and support government efforts by relying on verified information, particularly on social media.
“Hindi po kaya ng Armed Forces of the Philippines lamang ang makipaglaban para sa ating soberanya. Kailangan natin dito ang whole-of-nation approach,” he said.
He likewise urged the public to help amplify factual information and avoid the spread of false narratives that could undermine public understanding of the country’s sovereign rights.
The initiative supports the Bagong Pilipinas agenda of strengthening national security, promoting an informed and vigilant citizenry, and encouraging greater public participation in protecting the country’s national interests. (Marie Joy S. Carbungco )
