Civic leader Jose Antonio Goitia has lauded the Department of Education’s plan to integrate lessons on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in the basic education curriculum, calling it “a wise and patriotic step toward building national awareness.”

“You can’t defend what you don’t understand,” Goitia said. “When we teach our children about the West Philippine Sea, we’re not just teaching geography, we’re teaching love of country.”

Just recently, Chinese vessels were spotted moving dangerously close to Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, in what officials described as another show of aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Philippine Coast Guard reports said the Chinese ships used water cannons and shadowed Philippine vessels conducting routine patrols, a reminder that the threats to our sovereignty are not distant or abstract but happening right before our eyes.

Earlier this year, during a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, several Filipino soldiers were injured after Chinese coast guard personnel reportedly used bladed weapons and forcibly boarded Philippine boats. The incident sparked widespread condemnation from allied nations, including the United States, the European Union, and other international partners, who denounced China’s actions as clear acts of aggression against a smaller neighbor.

Goitia—chairman emeritus of four respected civic-oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People's Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement—said the classroom is the quiet front-line of national defense. 

He noted that misinformation has become as dangerous as any foreign threat.

"China spreads falsehoods to justify its claims. The Philippines must counter with facts. When students learn about the 2016 arbitral ruling and our Exclusive Economic Zone, they’ll grow up knowing what truly belongs to the Filipino people," he explained.

Goitia believes the initiative is not only about history lessons but about shaping citizens who understand and care deeply for their nation. 

“Sovereignty isn’t just a word. It's our fishermen’s livelihood, our natural resources, and the dignity of every Filipino," he said.

Goitia also emphasized the need to equip teachers properly. 

"Our teachers are frontliners in this. They need tools, maps, and guidance, not just lectures but inspiration.”

Goitia warned that the most dangerous weapon is not a missile, but a lie repeated until it sounds like the truth. He said that education is the best defense, as it builds awareness, critical thinking, and resilience among young people. 

“When children know the facts, they become harder to fool and easier to unite.”

He added that DepEd’s move is more than a curriculum change. It is a cultural shift toward a stronger sense of nationhood. 

“Defending our seas shouldn’t stop at the coastline. It should begin in the classroom,” he said.

He also suggested that schools hold debates, essay contests, and creative projects to make the lessons more engaging and relevant.

"Let them see the West Philippine Sea not just on a map but in stories and songs. That’s how national pride takes root," he said.

The initiative, he stressed, complements the government’s efforts to modernize maritime defense. 

“While our Coast Guard guards the waters, our teachers will guard the truth,” he said. “Both are defenders of the Republic.”

“Our children must grow up knowing the West Philippine Sea is not just a body of water. It is part of who we are as Filipinos," he added.