01 December 2015 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), conducted its latest information and advocacy campaign on the West Philippine Sea in Zamboanga City from October 25 to 27.   DFA Spokesperson Charles Jose spoke before the local audience composed of various sectors in three major events such as a multi-sectoral forum and two campus tours. The information campaign aims to increase the level of awareness of local audiences on the West Philippine Sea issue by engaging them through briefings, focus group discussions, and media appearances.  The lectures seek to provide a clearer and more coherent picture of the Philippine narrative and to encourage different sectors to support the Philippine government’s position on the maritime dispute.  The information campaign also involves the distribution and dissemination of a 3-part documentary series and a comic book on the West Philippine Sea issue during the events.

Upon his arrival in the city, Assistant Secretary Jose engaged the members of the local media in a press conference held at the Grand Astoria Hotel on November 25. He discussed the latest developments of the arbitration case and answered questions related to other DFA issues.  He emphasized that the Philippines is committed to seeing the arbitration case to its logical conclusion and expressed hope that China will also abide by its ruling. 

On the same day, Assistant Secretary Jose conducted a lecture for students and faculty members of the Western Mindanao State University.  He briefed the audience on the Philippine narrative of the West Philippine Sea issue and answered their questions on various concerns such as China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea and its non-participation in the arbitration case.  He also expressed appreciation to the Western Mindanao State University for its support of the Philippine government’s information drive.

The DFA and PIA organized a multi-sectoral forum on November 26 at the Garden Orchid Hotel.  Assistant Secretary Jose spoke before an audience composed of local government representatives, members of the uniformed services, students, religious sector representatives, and  members of the local media.  He provided updates on the arbitration case and reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to resolve the issue through peaceful means. 

The multi-sectoral forum was followed by a campus tour held in the afternoon at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.  Assistant Secretary Jose delivered a lecture before students and faculty members from different universities and colleges throughout the city.  He stressed the importance of having an informed citizenry on the issue and hoped that the audience will also share what they have learned in the forum with their own communities. 

Addressing the students during the forum, he stated that it is necessary for the youth to fully grasp the importance of the West Philippine Sea maritime dispute since this issue will not only affect the present generation of Filipinos but future generations as well.  PIA Regional Director Noemi Edaga also supported the DFA’s call, stating that the youth needs to be proactive communitors on an issue of vital interest to the country.  Afterwards, the audience took the opportunity to ask questions and clarifications on certain aspects of the arbitration case.  Assistant Secretary thanked Ateneo de Zamboanga for providing the venue as well as logistical support during the event. 

In addition to the lectures, Assistant Secretary Jose also gave media interviews to several news outfits throughout his stay in Zamboanga City.  He was a guest in Radio DXRZ 900 RMN networks Zamboanga City and was interviewed on live television in GBPI TV11.

Assistant Secretary Jose also took the opportunity to visit the DFA Regional Consular Office (DFA-RCO) in Zamboanga City where he was warmly received by RCO Head Mashur Kunting and the rest of the DFA personnel. 

Since the information and advocacy campaign on the West Philippine Sea issue was launched in early 2015, the DFA and PIA have conducted forums, campus tours and press conferences in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, Subic, Olongapo, Laoag City, Vigan city, Puerto Princesa City, Tuguegarao City, Dumaguete City, Iloilo City, Davao City, Bicol Region, and General Santos City.  Assistant Secretary Jose has also held briefings in various campuses and agencies within Metro Manila throughout the year.  The next multi-sectoral advocacy campaign is set to be held in the northern region.  END