SENATOR Erwin Tulfo has filed a measure mandating the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education to include lessons on the West Philippine Sea in basic and higher education curricula.

Tulfo filed Senate Bill No. 1625, known as the West Philippine Sea Education Act.

“We have to stand as a unified nation in defending what is ours. A good way to do it is to capacitate Filipinos with accurate, evidence-based information. This will empower citizens to actively protect our maritime rights,” Tulfo said.

Citing the recent Escoda Shoal incident, which harmed Filipino fisherfolk, he added: “We cannot be idle while our fellowmen guarding the WPS continue to be hurt. We have to be informed about our rights and the policies we must follow. What’s ours is ours.”

Under the measure, a comprehensive WPS Education and Awareness program will be institutionalized in all levels of education. DepEd and CHED, in coordination with government agencies, will develop standardized learning materials, conduct teacher training, and provide accessible community-based resources.

The bill also aims to launch a nationwide information campaign and promote research on Philippine maritime rights, marine ecosystem protection in the WPS, and public discourse on related issues.

“Despite the WPS being critical, public awareness remains limited. We must ensure every Filipino understands and can defend our maritime rights,” Tulfo said.