A progressive group and a coalition of advocates for the country’s sovereignty urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday to mandate the inclusion of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in the basic education curriculum, citing the rise of false narratives allegedly spread by pro-China entities.

Akbayan Partylist and Atin Ito Coalition, a civilian group leading a supply mission in the WPS, emphasized the importance of educating the youth about the Philippines’ maritime rights to counter the growing spread of disinformation and historical distortions regarding the contested waters.

“Instead of defending our sovereignty, fishers, and frontliners, some are peddling disinformation that undermines the legal and historical foundations of the WPS, emboldening China’s aggression and weakening our national resolve. Such betrayal of the Filipino people’s interests is unacceptable,” Akbayan said, referring to political candidates who support China.

The groups urged Marcos to issue an executive order mandating the inclusion of WPS discussions in geography and history classes, as well as the creation of a WPS Institute to conduct research, education, and exploration. This would help protect the youth from being swayed by politicians allegedly funded by Beijing to spread false information about the Philippines’ claims in the region.

The call followed a recent provocation by China, where a Chinese Navy helicopter flew dangerously close to a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aircraft on a routine mission over Bajo de Masinloc in the WPS. The helicopter’s propeller reportedly caused turbulence that affected the Philippine aircraft.

This encounter adds to a series of aggressive actions by China, including military-grade laser attacks, water cannons, missile deployments and boat collisions.

Several key figures, including retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, warned the public about pro-China politicians in upcoming elections. These candidates, they argued, are financially supported by China to push Beijing’s interests.

Akbayan also cautioned voters against electing officials who would prioritize foreign interests over the Philippines’ territorial integrity.

“The stakes are high — our sovereignty, dignity, and future are at risk. We urge the Filipino people to vote for the West Philippine Sea by choosing leaders who will protect our territorial rights and reject candidates who would compromise them for foreign interests,” the group declared.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, which overlaps the WPS, despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its sovereignty claims. The ruling affirmed the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone in the WPS.

The series of confrontations between the Philippines and China continue, despite their agreement in July to de-escalate tensions in the disputed waters.