First episode of West Philippine Sea Documentary Airs on June 12

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): First episode of West Philippine Sea Documentary Airs on June 12

The Philippine government will launch on Friday a three-part documentary series on the West Philippine Sea amid growing disputes with China, which insists ownership of several features within Manila’s territory.

In partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the Department of Foreign Affairs produced the documentary, called “Kalayaan” (Freedom).

Each episode focuses on a different angle of the issue: economic, historical and legal, a DFA statement on Thursday said.

The first episode is set to air on June 12, coinciding with the celebration of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said the documentary is part of the nationwide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign of the department to increase the level of public awareness and understanding of the issues relating to the West Philippine Sea.

Kalayaan is directed by RA Rivera, Jr. and hosted by multi-awarded broadcaster, Lourd de Veyra, together with Jun Sabayton.

A preview of episode 1, “Karapatan sa Karagatan” (Maritime Right) which highlights the economic angle, was shown to members of the media at the DFA on Thursday. News and video clips about the first episode are also being circulated on social media.

On June 12, at 4:00 p.m., the full video of episode 1 and links to it will be launched in government social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.

Episode 1 will continue to be aired on PTV-4 every 5:30 p.m. from June 15 to 19, with a replay every 10:30 p.m. The second and third episodes will be aired in late June and early July, respectively.

The Philippines filed an arbitration case against China in 2013 to denigrate China's massive claim which infringes on Philippine sovereignty.

South China Sea, a major shipping route and home to rich fishing grounds, vast mineral and oil and gas deposits, is claimed in part or in whole by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771555