Bill mandates West Philippine Sea lessons in schools

A new bill filed in the House of Representatives seeks to make lessons about the West Philippine Sea mandatory in all schools across the country.

House Bill 1625, proposed by the 'West Philippine Sea' bloc, aims to legally require public and private institutions to teach students about the 2016 arbitral ruling which invalidated China's expansive claims.

The bill mandates the inclusion of the history and legal basis of the Philippines' jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, including the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in the curriculum for elementary and high school students.

The proposed curriculum would also cover China's incursions in the West Philippine Sea and their impact on the Philippines' marine ecosystem, food security, and the livelihood of fisherfolk.

Furthermore, the bill seeks to combat the spread of false narratives allegedly propagated by pro-China groups.

The proponents argue that educating the youth about this issue is crucial for defending the country's sovereign rights, instilling patriotism, and promoting civic responsibility.