MANILA – Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Chairman Erwin Tulfo has called on fellow lawmakers to fast-track Senate Bill No. 1625, or the proposed “West Philippine Sea (WPS) Education Act,” amid what he described as competing narratives surrounding Philippine maritime territory.

The measure seeks to institutionalize a specialized curriculum on the West Philippine Sea in both basic and higher education, with the aim of strengthening public understanding of the country’s maritime rights and sovereignty.

“Despite being a critical point of Philippine sovereignty, many Filipinos are seemingly in the dark about the West Philippine Sea. We must integrate this into our education system,” Tulfo said.

He urged the immediate conduct of a Senate hearing on the bill, stressing the urgency of the matter.

“We have to act now. I urge my colleagues to conduct a hearing on this as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in ensuring that Filipinos are well-informed on the situation in the WPS,” he added.

Under the proposed measure, age-appropriate learning materials will be integrated into the curricula of basic and higher education institutions. These materials will include internationally recognized facts, Supreme Court decisions, and relevant Philippine laws on the West Philippine Sea.

The development of learning materials and training programs will involve the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, National Security Council, Department of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant government agencies.

If enacted, the bill will mandate DepEd to conduct appropriate training for teachers and educators who will handle the WPS curriculum.

Tulfo also emphasized the role of information campaigns in reinforcing the country’s position on the issue.

“The media will play a huge role as we roll out a nationwide information campaign on our maritime rights, the protection of marine ecosystems, and accurate public discourse,” he said.

The bill further encourages state universities and colleges to expand research and studies on maritime security, governance, and the welfare of coastal communities.

“We can only fight for our rights if we know what those rights are. If we delay this, we remain susceptible to disinformation and propaganda that could reshape the mindset of the next generation regarding the West Philippine Sea,” Tulfo said.