SENATE Committee on Foreign Relations Chairman Erwin Tulfo is calling on his fellow lawmakers to fast-track Senate Bill No. 1625, or the proposed West Philippine Sea Education Act.

The measure seeks to institutionalize a specialized curriculum in both basic and higher education focused on the country’s maritime territories.

“Despite being a critical point of Philippine sovereignty, many Filipinos are seemingly in the dark about the West Philippine Sea. We must integrate this into our education system,” Tulfo emphasized.

“We have to act now. I urge my colleagues to conduct a hearing on this as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in ensuring that Filipinos are well-informed on the situation in the WPS,” the senator added.

Under Tulfo’s measure, age-appropriate learning materials will be integrated into the syllabi in basic and higher education.

These materials will include, among others, internationally recognized facts, Supreme Court decisions, and relevant laws on the WPS.

Development of the materials and training will be a collaboration among the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, National Security Council, Department of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant government agencies.

Once enacted, DepEd will be mandated to carry out appropriate training for teachers and educators assigned to teach the WPS curriculum.

The veteran journalist-turned-lawmaker noted that embedding the country’s stance into the education system will be bolstered by rigorous awareness campaigns.

“The media will play a huge role as we roll out a nationwide information campaign on our maritime rights, the protection of marine ecosystems, and accurate public discourse,” Tulfo remarked.

The bill also encourages State Universities and Colleges to increase research and studies on maritime security, governance, and the welfare of coastal communities.

“We can only fight for our rights if we know what those rights are. If we delay this, we remain susceptible to disinformation and propaganda that could reshape the mindset of the next generation regarding the West Philippine Sea,” Tulfo concluded.