The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), brought the information and advocacy campaign on the West Philippine Sea issue to Basco, Batanes last week.
Located at the northernmost part of the Philippines, Batanes was chosen as one of the venues for the multisectoral forums due to the islands’ geographic proximity to Taiwan and China, and in recognition of the local community’s long historical, cultural and economic ties to the sea.
Immediately upon arrival, DFA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose called on Batanes Governor Vicente S. Gato at the provincial office to talk about the conduct of the multisectoral forum and other related activities in Batanes as well as on the latest developments in the arbitration case.
Assistant Secretary Jose was then invited as a guest in Radyo Kayvayvanan, where he extensively discussed the West Philippine Sea issue with the radio host. He said the DFA and PIA aim to increase the level of awareness of the local communities in Batanes through the conduct of briefings, focus group discussions and media engagements throughout its four-day visit.
He also told the radio host that he will discuss the Philippine narrative during the lectures and invited the local audience to listen to his briefings and support the Philippine government’s position in the West Philippine Sea issue.
The DFA and PIA held a multisectoral forum on the West Philippine Sea at the Batanes State College in Basco. Assistant Secretary Jose discussed the Philippine narrative of the West Philippine Sea issue before an audience composed of students, faculty members, fisherfolk, local government representatives, members of the uniformed services, and members of the media.
He explained that the Philippine Government’s position is based on two principles: the primacy of the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, and added that the arbitration case is a vital step in reaching a durable solution to a complex international issue.
He expressed appreciation to the Batanes State College for hosting the event and thanked the audience for their presence and interest in the issue. He wrapped up his talk by issuing a challenge to everyone to keep their interest high and maintain their support on the West Philippine Sea issue.
“We ask for your help in spreading our message on the South China Sea issue. We hope that you will discuss what you’ve learned here with your families and communities,” he stated.
During the open forum, the Assistant Secretary was joined by Governor Gato and representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Several members of the audience expressed concern over China and Taiwan’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, pointing out that these acts have prevented their local fishermen from going to their traditional fishing grounds to fish, thereby depriving them of their livelihood.
Jose assured the audience that the Philippine government is well aware of their particular concerns and has in fact included them in the pleadings submitted by the Philippine legal team to the arbitral tribunal. Other panel members also assured the audience of their agencies’ commitment to peacefully defend the country’s interests and to help them cope with their concerns.
The DFA and PIA also held a workshop where they assessed the consolidated reports from several regions who already hosted the West Philippine Sea information and advocacy campaign. The PIA team presented the initial results from the focus group discussions, and discussed the strengths and weaknesses in the implementation of the campaign. The workshop also included a brainstorming session wherein they explored plans for the continuation of the campaign.
Jose thanked the PIA for a meaningful partnership and expressed satisfaction over the positive results of the campaign, and added that he looks forward to receiving the final results.
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, General Santos City, and Zamboanga City. Briefings and talks were also conducted in various campuses and agencies within Metro Manila throughout the year. Several information and advocacy campaigns are scheduled to be held next year.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001450088397/dfa-pia-conduct-west-philippine-sea-information-and-advocacy-campaign-in-batanes
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