DepEd, PCG prepare teachers to teach learners on WPS issues

By Keren Anne Bernadas

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Department of Education (DepEd) collaborated to engage over 300 social science teachers in the Bicol region to raise awareness about the West Philippine Sea during a film screening and seminar-workshops on December 4.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, emphasized the vital role of social studies educators in shaping the perspectives of the youth.

“I highlighted the importance of social studies educators in making sure that the younger generation of Filipinos is educated and aware of what’s happening in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.

He also encouraged teachers to inspire the youth to advocate for the rights of Filipinos.

“Wherever you are, even in Bicol, you are not exempt from standing up for the WPS. As I’ve said, defending the West Philippine Sea is an obligation of every Filipino,” he said.

For Ryan Idanan, a teacher from the Schools Division of Catanduanes, the WPS issue holds significant importance.

“Ang usapin sa WPS ay napaka-importanteng isyu sa bansa natin dahil nakasalalay dito ang kinabukasan ng ating kabataan, maging ang ikinabubuhay ng ating kapwa Pilipino,” he stressed.

(The issue regarding the WPS is important for our country because the future of our youth and the livelihoods of fellow Filipinos depend on it,” he explained.)

After the film screening and workshop, Idanan added, “Hindi ako magsasawa sa aking trabaho bilang guro na patuloy na imulat ang kabataan sa mga paksang makabayan, lalo na sa paggamit ng tama, napapanahon, at totoong impormasyon.”

(I will continue in my role as a teacher, striving to enlighten our youth on patriotic subjects, especially through the use of accurate, timely, and truthful information.)

Meanwhile, Ysmack Lambo Fornelos, a teacher from the Schools Division of Masbate, said that the activity deepened his sense of nationalism.

“Kailangan talaga itong maituro sa ating mga kabataan at matutunan nila ang kahalagahan ng nasyonalismo—ang pagmamahal sa bayan. Napagtanto ko na hindi lang dapat natin sinasabing pinag-aagawan ang West Philippine Sea, kundi sa atin talaga ang West Philippine Sea,” he said.

(This must be taught to our youth so that they understand the importance of nationalism—loving our country.)

“I realized that we shouldn’t say that the West Philippine Sea is disputed; it truly belongs to us,” he added.

According to Fornelos, learning about the WPS is a form of national pride.

“Bilang guro sa Araling Panlipunan, nagpapasalamat ako na pumunta sila dito sa Bicol hindi lang para magbigay ng impormasyon, kundi para maipasa sa amin ang kanilang passion ukol sa WPS—ang nag-aalab na puso para sa ating sariling teritoryo,” he said.

(As a teacher of Araling Panlipunan, I am grateful that they came to Bicol not just to provide information but to share their passion for the WPS—the burning desire to defend our territory.)

He further explained that equipping students with proper knowledge about the WPS will encourage them to be more involved and responsible citizens.

Fornelos emphasized that students need to understand that the WPS is part of the Philippines, and that Filipinos have rightful claims and responsibilities over it.

Charlene Carlos, a teacher from the Schools Division of Albay, shared that she is now more determined to implement the new curriculum, incorporating lessons on the WPS.

“Narealize ko na the more na meron ang Pilipino na proper idea regarding the West Philippine Sea, the more na mas magiging active sila in participating para sa kanilang rights, para sa pagiging mabuting mamamayan,” she said.

(I realized that the more Filipinos have a proper understanding of the West Philippine Sea, the more active they will be in asserting their rights and being responsible citizens.)

Tarriela noted that this initiative is part of their early efforts to prepare public school teachers as DepEd rolls out its new curriculum for Grades 4, 6, and 10, which will include lessons on WPS.

He added that Education Secretary Sonny Angara fully supports this endeavor.

Tarriela said officials from both the PCG and DepEd will continue visiting regions nationwide to engage with social studies teachers and enhance their capacity to teach topics related to the WPS. (PIA Bicol)