17 December 2014 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) through its office for the Western Visayas region, continues to raise public awareness of the West Philippine Sea Issue with the holding of the third Special Kapihan ng Mamayan today, December 17, in Iloilo City.

DFA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose briefed around 20 members of the Western Visayan press on the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). His presentation focused on the core issues, the overarching principles that guide Philippine response to the issues, and the steps that are being undertaken by the Philippine Government to address the disputes.

He also cited facts and figures that demonstrate how much of our country’s economy and security rely on the seas.

“As an archipelagic nation, we must have a deep understanding of maritime issues. Our territory is composed mostly of bodies of water and at least five million of our kababayans depend on our seas for livelihood,” Assistant Secretary Jose stressed. 

“It is our responsibility to defend what is rightfully ours not only for the sake of today’s Filipinos, but also for the sake of future generations,” he added.

The DFA Spokesperson also guested live at “Bombo News and Views,” anchored by Bombo Radyo Iloilo Station Manager Henry A. Lumawag. Apart from the WPS, Assistant Secretary Jose fielded questions on other hot-button foreign policy issues of the day.

After his Bombo Radyo guesting, Assistant Secretary Jose had a sit-down interview with PIA officer Leonard Pineda  on the WPS. The taped interview will be uploaded to PIA’s YouTube and Facebook channels, and will be aired over Radyo Ng Bayan in the coming days.

The third edition of the Special Kapihan was also made possible with the support and assistance of the DFA Regional Consular Office in Iloilo, headed by Officer-in-Charge Sheila Marie D. Tu. The conduct of the Special Kapihans in the different regions is part of the DFA's nationwide campaign to bring the West Philippine Sea Issue to the grassroots of Philippine society. The first Special Kapihan was held in Olongapo City last September, followed by the Special Kapihan in Puerto Princesa in October. More Kapihans are slated to be held across the country next year.

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