By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Acting Labor Secretary and former Senator Francis Tolentino has thrown his support behind a proposal to include the country’s maritime rights and the history of the West Philippine Sea in the Philippine education curriculum, saying the subject should be taught not only in secondary schools but from elementary through law school.
Tolentino made the statement in response to a bill being pushed by Sen. Erwin Tulfo seeking to institutionalize the teaching of the Philippines’ history, sovereignty, and legal rights over the West Philippine Sea and other parts of the country’s territory.
According to Tolentino, education on the country’s maritime domain should become a dedicated subject covering the Philippines’ surrounding seas, maritime boundaries, and territorial rights as defined by law.
He stressed that strengthening public awareness of the nation’s territorial claims requires a comprehensive educational approach, beginning at the elementary level and continuing through college and law school.
Tolentino also underscored the vital role of the media in disseminating accurate information to deepen public understanding, strengthen national awareness, and build greater support for protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
To further promote public knowledge on the issue, Tolentino announced that he will release a book later this year titled “Philippine Maritime Zones Law Annotated,” which he said would serve as a valuable reference on the country’s maritime laws and territorial rights.
The proposal forms part of broader efforts to enhance national consciousness on the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and other maritime territories amid continuing regional disputes.
ia/xf
