To equip the youth with a clear and factual understanding of the Philippines’ sovereign rights under international law, Senator Jinggoy Estrada is proposing the mandatory inclusion of West Philippine Sea (WPS) topics in the basic education curriculum.

“It is imperative that we not only instill patriotism and pride in our youth, but also nurture a full understanding of our legitimate sovereign rights and entitlements under international laws, and empower our citizens with knowledge to defend and protect what is rightfully ours,” Estrada said.

“Our children deserve to know the truth about the West Philippine Sea — its history, its importance, and our rights over it. Education is our strongest defense against lies, distortion, and historical revisionism,” he added.

Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 1424, or the proposed West Philippine Sea Mandatory Education Act, which seeks to make the study of the WPS permanent and compulsory in the curriculum of all public and private basic educational institutions nationwide.

The measure highlights the significance of the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim and affirmed violations of the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone.

Under the bill, students will learn about the country’s exclusive economic zone, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, relevant maritime laws, the environmental and economic value of the West Philippine Sea, and the experiences of Filipino fisherfolk in the area.

The proposed curriculum will also cover illegal incursions and encroachments, as well as their impact on food security and marine resources.

In September, the Department of Education announced that it would include the topic of the West Philippine Sea in selected subjects, specifically within the Araling Panlipunan curriculum for Grades 4, 6, and 10, starting School Year 2026.