With the spirit of nationalism and patriotism in the air, over 500 students from the Molo and Arevalo campuses of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University gathered today at the Arevalo campus for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Symposium, a collaborative effort led by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the National Youth Commission (NYC).
The event reinforces the nationwide campaign to raise awareness on the Philippinesโ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, aiming to empower Ilonggo youth to become advocates of nationalism and defenders of the countryโs maritime interests.
Leading the discussions is Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, who tackled the pressing topic of โPhilippinesโ Sovereign Rights and Maritime Security in the West Philippine Sea,โ joining him are PIA Director General Katherine Chloe S. De Castro and NYC Commissioner-at-Large Asec. Karl Legazpi, both of whom emphasized the critical role of the youth in safeguarding national interests.
The symposium also highlighted how the WPS issue directly impacts the Western Visayas region, particularly in terms of food security and economic stabilityโareas closely linked to the maritime domain and the region's development.
Through this event, students were empowered not only as future maritime professionals but also as advocates of the nationโs rights over its rich and strategic maritime territory.
Photos by Saraih Villanueva