Sen. Tulfo files bill to mandate WPS education in schools

Senator Erwin Tulfo filed Senate Bill No. 1625, also known as the "West Philippine Sea Education Act," which mandates educational institutions to teach students about the WPS amid ongoing maritime disputes.

The bill aims to ensure that students receive systematic and age-appropriate education on the WPS, based on internationally recognized facts, Supreme Court rulings, Philippine laws, and other pertinent materials.

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will be responsible for integrating this education program within the basic and higher education curricula.

The development of educational content will involve collaboration with government agencies such as the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, National Security Council, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

State universities, colleges, and research institutions will also be encouraged to conduct studies related to maritime security, marine conservation, Philippine maritime claims, and the socioeconomic effects on coastal communities.

Senator Tulfo stated that educating Filipinos about the WPS empowers them to protect their maritime rights and contributes to national unity, especially considering the clashes and rising tensions in the South China Sea.