13 July 2015 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), held a multi-sectoral advocacy campaign on the West Philippine Sea issue in Tuguegarao City from July 09 to July 11.
The talks covered the core issues of the West Philippine Sea dispute, the Philippine official policy and its guiding principles, as well as government efforts on the issue.
DFA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose discussed the West Philippine Sea issue before an audience composed of local officials from various government agencies in Tuguegarao City, students and youth, NGOs, businesses, members of the media, and uniformed personnel from the local law enforcement agencies on July 10. Other panel speakers include Representative Randolph Ting (3rd District of Cagayan), PIA Regional Director Purita Licas, Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Cagara (Armed Forces of the Philippines), Captain Julius Caesar Victor V. Lim (Coast Guard District North Eastern Luzon), Mr. Mac Angelo Adriano (Office of the City Mayor), and Mr. Arsenio Bañares (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources).
During the open forum, the audience expressed their concerns over China’s non-participation in the arbitration case and its aggressive actions in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea. The DFA Spokesperson stressed that international disputes such as the West Philippine Sea issue need to be resolved in a peaceful and durable manner. He also pointed out the crucial role of the international community in ensuring that all states observe international norms. “We want a regional order that is based on the rule of law,” he stated.
Assistant Secretary Jose delivered a lecture before students and professors at the Cagayan State University on the same day and urged them to promote the issue in their own circles and communities. He thanked the University for supporting the West Philippine Sea information campaign and providing the venue. PIA Regional Director Purita Licas reinforced Assistant Secretary Jose’s message in her closing remarks, stating that, “We are conducting this multi-sectoral campaign to ensure that all of you will have sufficient knowledge and understanding of an issue that has serious implications on future generations.”
The DFA Spokesperson also engaged members of the media through a press conference on July 10, and gave interviews to DZGR Bombo Radyo and PBS-DWPE Radyo ng Bayan. He encouraged the reporters to keep the local audience informed and interested by continuing discussions on the West Philippine Sea issue in their broadcasts.
The DFA and PIA aims to conduct more multi-sectoral forums throughout the country this year, with the next one set to be held in Dumaguete City. Similar forums have already been held in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, Subic, Olongapo, Laoag City, Vigan City, and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. END