Marcos urged to include WPS in curriculum amid pro-China info drive

A progressive group and a coalition of advocates for the country's sovereignty called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday to mandate the inclusion of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in the basic education curriculum amid the alarming spread of false narratives allegedly propagated by pro-China groups.

Akbayan Partylist and Atin Ito Coalition, a civilian group leading the supply mission in the WPS, emphasized the need to equip the youth with a deeper understanding of the country’s maritime entitlements to counter the increasing prevalence of disinformation and historical distortions about the contested waterway.

“Instead of defending our sovereignty, fishers, and frontliners, they peddle disinformation that undermines the legal and historical foundations of the West Philippine Sea, emboldening China’s aggression and weakening our national resolve. Such betrayal of the Filipino people’s interests is unacceptable,” Akbayan stated, referring to political candidates favoring China.

The groups asserted that an executive order from Marcos mandating WPS discussions in geography and history classes, as well as establishing a WPS Institute for research, education, and exploration, would prevent the youth from being misled by politicians allegedly financed by Beijing to spread false information about the country’s claims.

Their appeal to Marcos came two days after China's latest provocation against Philippine troops.

On Tuesday, a Chinese Navy helicopter reportedly flew as close as three meters to a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aircraft conducting a routine flight over Bajo de Masinloc in the WPS, with its propeller pushing down on the Philippine aircraft.

The dangerous encounter adds to a series of past Chinese hostilities against the Philippines, including military-grade laser targeting, water cannon attacks, missile deployments, and boat collisions.

Several key government officials, including retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, have urged the public to be wary of pro-China politicians in the upcoming elections, warning that these candidates will serve Beijing’s interests. He also claimed that these politicians are being financially backed by China.

Akbayan, meanwhile, warned voters not to fall into China’s trap by electing officials who will advance foreign interests.

“The stakes in this election are high, with our sovereignty, dignity, and national future at risk. We urge the Filipino people to vote for the West Philippine Sea by electing leaders who will protect our territorial integrity and rejecting candidates who will compromise it for foreign interests,” the group stressed.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, which overlaps with the WPS, despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that deemed its assertions baseless. The ruling upheld the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone in the WPS.

Despite a pact in July to de-escalate maritime tensions, confrontations between the Philippines and China persist.