04 October 2014 - The Spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose gave a briefing at the 2nd Special Kapihan ng Mamamayan on the West Philippine Sea Issue held yesterday at The Legend Hotel in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
The DFA, together with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) through its regional office in Palawan, organized the Special Kapihan. Almost 30 members of the local media in Palawan as well as local government representatives were present at the briefing.
This event is the second in a series of Special Kapihans that will be held throughout the rest of the year and in 2015 to complement the DFA's nationwide campaign to raise the level of awareness and understanding of ordinary Filipinos of the West Philippine Sea Issue. The DFA hopes that increasing the public’s awareness will translate to greater support for the Philippine Government’s policies on the issue. The first Special Kapihan was held in Olongapo City on September 12.
The DFA Spokesperson was also a guest at DZIP Radyo Palawenyo, and DYSP-GMA Super Radyo, where he discussed updates on the West Philippine Sea. He likewise made a guest appearance for the program “Boses ng Mamamayan” hosted by Mr. Jay Zabanal at ABS-CBN Palawan. He was also interviewed by several members of the local media after his briefing.
Throughout his media engagements, the DFA Spokesperson stressed the importance of the intensifying the people’s awareness and understanding of the West Philippine Sea since the Philippine Government is counting on them to “defend what is ours”. He acknowledged the vital role of public information officers and the media in disseminating information regarding the West Philippine Sea and in rallying the public for support.
He also assured them of the Philippine Government’s unwavering commitment to defend the interest of the country and to push for peaceful solutions to the West Philippine Sea issue through the rule of law.
“Gusto po naming sabihin sa ating mga kababayan natin dito sa Palawan na nasa frontline ng issue sa West Philippine Sea, alam namin na damang-dama ninyo ang tension na nangyayari po diyan. Gusto po namin kayong i-assure na ang pamahalaan ay ginagawa ang lahat ng makakaya para po bigyang resolusyon itong dispute sa West Philippine Sea sa mapayapang pamamaraan,” the Spokesperson stated.
The DFA Spokesperson acknowledged the contributions of the local government units of Palawan in exercising the country’s sovereign rights, while assuring them of the DFA’s continued support. Palawan is one of the "frontline" provinces in the country's maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
The DFA Spokesperson also took the opportunity to visit the DFA's new mall-based Regional Consular Office (RCO) in Puerto Princesa City, where he received a warm welcome from the Officer-in-Charge Liza Jane V. Estalilla and the RCO Palawan staff. The RCO Palawan is the 12th regional consular office to relocate to the mall under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program of the Philippine Government. It recently inaugurated its new location on September 12.
The DFA Spokesperson met with the new commander of the Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Rear Admiral Alexander S. Lopez inside the WESCOM headquarters located at Camp General Artemio G. Ricarte, Puerto Princesa City. During the meeting, both officials apprised each other on the latest developments on the West Philippine Sea issue and discussed ways to disseminate the information to the public. The AFP's Western Commmand is known as the protector of the West Philippine Sea. END